Incident: Sawmill Complex
Released: 9/13/2007
SAWMILL COMPLEX
FIRE INFORMATION
(406) 859-6003
7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2007
Wyman 2 Fire (35,528 acres): Crews started to rehabilitate the Stony Creek Road with an excavator. Fisher Point Fire (15,731 acres): There was active fire in the Chico Gulch and Ranch Creek drainages; fire backed down to both creeks. Crews continued to cold trail and mop up. Sawmill Fire (11,818 acres): There was active fire in the Gilbert Creek drainage. Crews provided protection at critical points along Rock Creek Road. On all three fires, personnel 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:
Winds are expected to be calmer than yesterday. Ridgetop winds will be northwest at 7-12 miles per hour with gusts to 15. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-to-high 70°s in the valleys and in the 60°s at higher elevations. Humidity is expected to range from 14-20% in the valleys and from 20-27% on 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:
Land within each fire's perimeter remains 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. The Stony Creek Campground remains open.
Due to increased fire activity, there may be intermittent, temporary, road closures. Ranch Creek Road and Grizzly Campground are temporarily closed to the public.
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 | N/A |
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 11 engines |
Total Personnel | 196 |
Est. Containment Date | Unknown |
Cooperating Agencies | USFS Montana DNRC BLM |
Landowners | USFS BLM Montana DNRC Private |
