Update for August 23
Incident: Sawmill Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 8/23/2007
Sawmill Complex
DATE: August 23, 2007 TIME: 8:00 am
INCIDENT COMMANDER: Glen McNitt
LEAD INFORMATION OFFICER: Pat Cross
PHONE: (406) 859-6003 6:00 am-10:00 pm
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 was held for upper Rock Creek residents at the Clark Ranch last night; another, is scheduled for 7:30 pm Sunday, September 26.
A public meeting is set for 7:00 pm Friday, August 24, at Elkhorn Ranch.
RESOURCES:
PERSONNEL: 568 ENGINES: 54 WATER TENDERS: 14 HELICOPTERS: 6
TOTAL ACREAGE FOR COMPLEX: 55,000 INJURIES TO DATE: 4 COST TO DATE: $10,100,000
With continued cooler weather on Wednesday, fire spread was minimal on all fires. However, surface fires remained active under mature canopies and occasional short crown runs and single and group tree torching did occur. As light fuels continue to dry, fire activity will increase. Without a major change in the weather, control of these four fires is likely to be a prolonged effort.
Fire crews will continue to take advantage of the cooler weather and higher relative humidity with direct attack on spot fires and areas where the fire has slopped over the fire line. Air resources will continue to be used in critical locations to slow spread of all fires. 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 Wednesday, firefighters and helicopters achieved 80% containment on the spot fire on the south side of Stony Creek. On the north end of the fire, crews continue to prepare for burnout opportunities to tie into the old Alder Burn. Firefighters are continuing structure protection.
Sawmill fire - 10,300 acres: Ground resources and helicopters continued to work on the spot fire east of Rock Creek. Ground resources were pulled off the slopover due to rolling rocks, and smokejumpers from Missoula are also helping with that effort. The north end of the fire is progressing towards Gilbert Creek. Crews and equipment worked to hold fire south of Gilbert Creek and to prepare drainage for possible burnout.
Fisher Point fire - 10,400 acres: On Wednesday, Firefighters continued to work 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 installed 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:
All evacuation orders have been lifted.
Rock Creek residents are still under a 24-hour pre-evacuation notice. Rock Creek Road is open to residents only. Road maintenance will be done on Rock Creek road, including application of magnesium chloride for dust abatement. Vehicles that travel this road while magnesium chloride is being applied should be washed afterwards. 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.
Upper 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 clear in the morning and then partly cloudy, with temperatures in the mid 60s on the ridge tops to low 70s in the valleys. Relative humidity will range from 26-37%. There is a chance of seeing a light shower or sprinkle after 2pm, but no chance of a wetting rain. A gradual warming and drying trend is expected over the next two days with another pacific system and associated dry cold front to impact the area this weekend. Moderate southwest winds (7-13mph) are expected Saturday with gust up to 25mph. On Sunday, winds 6-13mph are expected from the west with gusts up to 20mph.
