Monday PM September 10, Pattengail Creek Fire Upda
Incident: Pattengail Creek Wildland Fire
Released: 9/10/2007
NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Vance Persing, Information Officer
Cause: Lightning Fire Start: July 13, 2007
Location: 10 miles southwest of Wise River, Montana, in the west Pioneer Mountains
Cooperating Agencies: Beaverhead County, Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, Butte-Silver Bow County, Bureau of Land Management, MT Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, MT Department of Transportation, USDA Forest Service
Total Personnel on Fire: 4 Acres: 15,297 Containment: 35%
The Pattengail Creek Fire experienced warmer temperatures and lower humidity as predicted. Observers in an aerial recon reported that the fire was holding in place very well. The Pattengail Creek Fire's growth potential is low and is very unlikely to threaten private property. The work to rehabilitate contingency lines is continuing.
Wise River Community Meetings: The Wise River Community Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at 7:30 P.M. at the Community Center.
One of the key topics for discussion will be the removal of structure protection equipment that was deployed around private residences during the fire. Landowners are urged to attend.
Today's fire behavior: Warmer weather changed fire behavior on interior burning. There is increased burning intensity of large fuels and creeping ground fire in some areas.
Today's Weather: Today's fire was warmer and drier as predicted. Temperatures were in the 60s and humidity was down as low as 20%. Winds were west southwest winds at 5 mph gusting to 14 mph.
Fire Restrictions and Closures: For public safety, some forest lands in the north half of the West Pioneer Mountains may remain closed at least through September, until soaking rains come for several days in a row.
Stage 1 fire restrictions are currently in effect. Campfires are banned outside of designated recreation sites and smoking is prohibited except in buildings, vehicles, and areas cleared of vegetation in a three-foot diameter.
Great hunting areas remain open around the Beaverhead-Deer lodge National Forest in spite of the limited closures. The east Pioneers, the south side of the west Pioneers, Anaconda Range and Big Hole will all be open in the Wise River District alone.
For more information on these fires check at http://www.inciweb.org/.
···
