News Release 08/15/07 8:00am MT
Incident: Skyland Wildland Fire
Released: 8/15/2007
- Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007· 8:00 a.m. -
Quick Fire Facts
Location
32 miles ESE of Kalispell, MT
Approximate Size
40,548 acres
Increase since last update
63
Fire Containment
60%
Start Date
July 23, 2007 - 4:30 pm
Cause
Lightning
Incident Commander
Jeff Pendleton, PNW Team 3
Resources on the Fire
19 crews
5 helicopters
1 dozer
11 water tenders
23 engines
Total Personnel
803
Est. Containment Date
unknown
Cooperating Agencies
USFS
NPS
BIA
Blackfeet Tribe
Montana DNRC
Landowners
USFS
Blackfeet Tribe
Private
Yesterday's Activities:
Gusty winds prompted an active fire day. Spotting occurred in anticipated areas inside the fire perimeter. Hand crews continue to build line on the southern side of the fire.
Weather and Fire Behavior Forecast for Today:
Winds will start in the north, and shift to the northeast later this afternoon which could renew fire activity on the northwest flank of the fire perimeter. Relative humidity will be 15 to 20% in the valleys, and 20 to 25% above 6000 ft. Temperatures will increase to 80-85 degrees today.
Today's Planned Actions:
Fireline explosives will be used on the south side of the fire today, between the existing fireline and Badger Creek Guard Station. Crews will continue constructing direct and indirect line on the north and south side of the fire. Work will continue on rehabilitation efforts on the western and eastern flanks.
Special Notices, Alerts, Restrictions & Evacuation Levels:
All entrances to Glacier National Park are open. U.S. Hwy 2 remains open with a speed restriction in the fire area, and short delays when helicopters fly over the highway. Visit www.nps.gov/glac for more information.
For fire restrictions, visit www.mt.blm.gov/fire/restrictions. Much of the Rocky Mountain Ranger District is closed to public use. There are closures in the Hungry Horse Ranger District as well.
Evacuation Level 1 (notification) is still in effect for Little Badger, and Evacuation Level 2 (preparation) is in effect for the U.S. Hwy. 2 Corridor and Glacier Acres.
For details, call the ranger districts - Hungry Horse (406) 387-3800; Rocky Mountain (406) 466-5341.
The Bob Marshall Joint Fire Information Center has developed a website with combined information for fires in their respective area. A link to the website is available under "Cooperators" to the right of this announcement.
Prepared by: Information Section, PNW Incident Management Team 3
