News Release 8/20/07 8:00am M T
Incident: Skyland Wildland Fire
Released: 8/20/2007
- Monday August 20, 2007 -
Yesterday's Activities:
Firefighters continued mopping up along the north and east sides of the fire Sunday as winds gusting to 50 mph prevented more line building on the southeast side. Despite the winds, the fire grew slowly, and crews hope to secure more line today as overnight rain and higher humidities dampen burning conditions. A good firebreak has been established around Badger Guard Station.
Weather and Fire Behavior Forecast for Today:
Six hundredth of an inch of rain fell on the fire overnight, slowing the fire's growth. Highs will be in the upper 60s today with higher humidities and westerly winds gusting 20 to 40 mph. Another weak disturbance is expected Tuesday, bringing more light showers.
Today's Planned Actions:
Two crews will be flown back into Badger Creek Monday, weather permitting, to continue building fireline north to half dome. Mop-up and patrol will continue on the north and east sides of the fire. Light rain and higher humidities should slow the fire's growth.
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 in effect for Little Badger, the U.S. Hwy. 2 Corridor and Glacier Acres.
Visit www.inciweb.org and click on Skyland Fire for details, or call the ranger districts - Hungry Horse (406) 387-3800; Rocky Mountain (406) 466-5341.
Quick Fire Facts
Location
32 miles ESE of Kalispell, MT
Approximate Size
44,373 acres
Increase since last update
965 acres
Fire Containment
51%
Start Date
July 23, 2007 - 4:30 pm
Cause
Lightning
Incident Commander
Jeff Pendleton, PNW Team 3
Resources on the Fire
8 crews
6 helicopters
1 dozer
6 water tenders
12 engines
Total Personnel
512
Est. Containment Date
unknown
Cooperating Agencies
USFS
NPS
BIA
Blackfeet Tribe
Montana DNRC
Landowners
USFS
Blackfeet Tribe
Private
