Incident: Sawmill Complex
Released: 9/12/2007
SAWMILL COMPLEX
Fire Information
(406) 859-6003
7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 12, 2007
Yesterday's Activities:
Wyman 2 Fire (35,528 acres): A crew continued to patrol and mop-up along the southwest perimeter. Fisher Point Fire (15,731 acres): There was active fire in the Chico Gulch and Elkhorn Drainages; the fire increased by 720 acres. Helicopters were used to drop water. Crews continued to provide point protection in Willow Creek, and continued cold trailing and mop up. Sawmill Fire (11,818 acres): Crews provided protection at critical points along Rock Creek Road. On all three fires, personnel also removed excess gear, worked on rehabilitation of the lines to reduce the potential for erosion, and performed holding actions in fire growth areas.
Weather and Fire Behavior Forecast for Today:
A red flag warning has been issued for gusty winds from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.; winds of up to 30 miles per hour on ridgetops are possible. Highs are expected to be in the mid-70°s to low 80°s in the valleys and in the 60°s at higher elevations. The humidity is expected to drop below 14% in the valleys and below 23% on the ridges. Fire activity may include some single tree or group torching with short uphill runs.
Today's Planned Actions:
With the predicted increase in fire behavior, fire personnel will continue to work on flare-ups and increased activity on all fires. They will concentrate on patrolling and mopping up any hot areas near the residences and hold any fire growth with air support.
Special Notices, Alerts, Restrictions & Evacuation Levels:
Effective 7 a.m. today, the Forest Service will reopen lands and some roads near the fires of the Sawmill Complex. Land within each fire's perimeter will remain closed. Hunting, camping, hiking, and other recreational uses are prohibited within the area closures. The Welcome Mountain Road and roads in the Stony Creek area remain closed due to ongoing firefighting activities.
Snags are falling within the burned areas. Live and dead trees affected by the fire are also falling near the fire's perimeter. This has created a serious hazard for anyone who is on the roads and in opened areas. Be aware that falling trees come down without warning. Please be cautious.
Quick Fire Facts | |
Location | 22 miles SE of Missoula, MT |
Approximate Size | 63,370 acres |
Increase since last update | 720 |
Fire Containment | 35% |
Start Date | July 31, 2007 |
Cause | Lightning |
Incident Commander | Tom Heintz |
Resources on the Fire | 4 crews 2 helicopters 2 water tenders 13 engines |
Total Personnel | 212 |
Est. Containment Date | Unknown |
Cooperating Agencies | USFS Montana DNRC BLM |
Landowners | USFS BLM Montana DNRC Private |
