Incident: Sawmill Complex
Released: 9/14/2007
SAWMILL COMPLEX
Fire Information
(406) 859-6003
7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 14, 2007
Wyman 2 Fire (35,528 acres): Crews patrolled and mopped up in the southern perimeter. Fisher Point Fire (17,721 acres): There were hot spots in the Chico Gulch and Ranch Creek drainages; a heavy helicopter was used to drop water. Sawmill Fire (13,918 acres): Crews provided protection at critical points along Rock Creek Road.
Weather and Fire Behavior Forecast for Today:
Clouds will develop in the early afternoon, which will keep temperatures lower than yesterday. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-to-high 70°s in the valleys and in the low-to-mid 60°s on ridgetops. Winds are expected to be variable and light at 5-10 miles per hour with gusts to 15. Humidity is expected to range from 14-20% in the valleys and from 25-32% on ridges. Fire activity may include creeping, smoldering, and some single tree or group torching.
Today's Planned Actions:
Fire personnel will continue to work on flare-ups. They will concentrate on patrolling and mopping up any hot areas near residences. Crews will also backhaul equipment and continue rehabilitation activities.
Special Notices, Alerts, Restrictions & Evacuation Levels:
There will be a community meeting for Lower Rock Creek residents this evening at the Elkhorn Ranch starting at 6:00 p.m. Please note the earlier starting time. Incident team members will discuss current and expected fire behavior.
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 | 67,350 acres |
Increase since last update | 3,980 |
Fire Containment | 35% |
Start Date | July 31, 2007 |
Cause | Lightning |
Incident Commander | Tom Heintz |
Resources on the Fire | 4 crews 2 helicopters 1 water tender 11 engines |
Total Personnel | 201 |
Est. Containment Date | Unknown |
Cooperating Agencies | USFS Montana DNRC BLM |
Landowners | USFS BLM Montana DNRC Private |
