Update for August 22
Incident: Sawmill Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 8/22/2007
Sawmill Complex
DATE: August 22, 2007 TIME: 8:00 am
INCIDENT COMMANDER: Glen McNitt
LEAD INFORMATION OFFICER: Pat Cross
PHONE: (406) 859-6003 6:00 am-10:00pm
LOCATION: Rock Creek Drainage, 22 miles SE of Missoula, MT
JURISDICTION: Lolo National Forest, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Bitterroot National Forest
AGENCIES: Clinton RFD, Lolo National Forest, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Bitterroot National Forest, MT-DNRC, Missoula County, Granite County, Montana Dept of Military Affairs, NOAA, Anaconda Job Corps, Georgetown VFD, Philipsburg VFD
A community fire information meeting is scheduled for upper Rock Creek residents at the Clark Ranch for tonight, Wednesday August 22 at 7:30 pm.
RESOURCES:
PERSONNEL: 544 ENGINES: 55 WATER TENDERS: 14 HELICOPTERS: 6
TOTAL ACREAGE FOR COMPLEX: 55,000 INJURIES TO DATE: 4 COST TO DATE: $9,500,000
With continued cooler weather on Tuesday, fire spread was minimal on all fires. However, within the existing parameters, fire remained active under mature canopies. As light fuels continue to dry, fire activity will increase.
Fire crews will continue to take advantage of the cooler weather and higher relative humidity with direct attack on spots and areas where the fire has slopped over the fire line. Over the next 24 hours potential for growth exists due to the amount of uncontrolled line, however, significant growth is unlikely. Structure protection will continue with point protection strategies.
Wyman 2 fire - 34,000 acres: On Tuesday, firefighters continued to work the spot fire on the south side the fire with helicopters working all day, 6 air tanker retardant drops and hand crews building line around the fire. On the north end of the fire, crews continue to prepare for burnout opportunities to tie into the old Alder Burn. Conditions permitting, burn out operations may happen later in the week. Firefighters are continuing structure protection.
Sawmill fire - 10,300 acres: Ground crews and helicopters continued to work on the spot fire east of Rock Creek. The north end of the fire is progressing towards Gilbert Creek. Crews and equipment worked to develop a contingency line in Gilbert Creek to check potential fire spread to the north. A public meeting is set for 7:00 pm Friday, August 24, at Elkhorn Ranch.
Fisher Point fire - 10,400 acres: On Tuesday, Firefighters continued to suppress spots east of 4325 Rd and hope to contain the fire to the west of 4325 Rd. Clearing of vegetation along 4325 Rd will continue in an effort to reduce the chances for the fire to cross the road. Firefighters worked with pumps and hoselays to protect structures.
Signal Rock 07 Fire - 300 acres: The Signal Rock 07 Fire is on the Pintler Ranger District and continues to be monitored from the air. It consists of several smoldering stump holes within an old burn.
ROAD, TRAIL, & RIVER CLOSURES:
Rock Creek residents are still under 24-hour evacuation notice. Rock Creek Road is open to residents only. From Mile Marker 12 to Miller Flats Rock Creek Road is closed to all traffic, including residents. The alternate route for Miller Flat residents is along the Rock Creek to the south.
Willow Creek (Granite County) residents are still under a 24-hour pre-evacuation notice. The Upper Willow Creek road is open to residents only.
The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has closed portions of the Goose Gulch Rd. #4325, Otter Creek Rd. #8419, Miners Gulch Rd. #5156, and Upper Willow Creek Rd. (Granite County) #88. These roads are closed to all motorized vehicles, foot, bicycle, and horse activities for public safety due to fire activity.
The Montana National Guard is assisting with roadblocks and security efforts.
An additional road closure is in place in the Sand Basin Road to limit access to the Signal Rock 07 Fire. Contact the Pintler Ranger District office for details on the Sand Basin closure.
Trail #313 (Sapphire Divide) from the Skalkaho road to Sawmill Saddle has been closed.
The Skalkaho Road is not affected by these closures.
Due to water conditions and fire operations Rock Creek is closed to fishing from Skalkaho Highway Bridge to the Clark Fork River.
WEATHER: Today's weather will be cool and moist with temperatures in the 60s to 70s, relative humidity ranging from 38-48% with mostly clear skies tonight and a drying air mass. A gradual warming and drying trend is expected over the next several days with another pacific system and associated dry cold front to impact the area this weekend.
