Fact Sheet for July 27, 2007
Incident: Garceau Wildland Fire
Released: 7/27/2007
Garceau Fire
Fact Sheet
Friday, July 27, 2007 9:00 a.m.
Contact: Public Information Officers Terina Mullen and Jill Cobb
Message Phone: (406) 208-0934
What: Wildland fire, lightning caused
Started: July 24, 2007 at 11:13 a.m.
Location: Eleven miles southwest of Polson, Montana
Jurisdiction: Flathead Agency
Cooperating Agencies: Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes, Polson Rural Fire Department, Ronan Rural Fire Department, Lake County OES
Incident Commander & Team: A Northern Rockies Type II Incident Management Team (IMT), under Incident Commander Roger Kechter, assumed command as of 6:00 a.m. on July 26, 2007.
Current size: 2,803 acres Containment: 40%
Yesterday's Activities: Crews held containment lines previously constructed by dozers on the southern, western and eastern flanks; crews also checked for hot spots and mopped up approximately 70 feet into the black. The firefighters attempted to construct dozer and handline closer to the active fire on the northern flank. Unfavorable weather conditions, heavy fuel loads and steep terrain limited the success of line construction. Precautionary structure protection measures remain in place for homes in the immediate fire area.
Resources on Fire: The number of firefighters assigned to the incident totals 235. Seven 20-person crews, 11 engines, 6 dozers and 3 water tenders are assigned to the fire.
Today's Strategy: Firefighters will assess and prepare for opportunities to conduct burnout operations and construct direct dozer line on the northern flank. Securing this section of the fire is the highest priority due to high timber values and heavy fuels. Crews along the remaining fire perimeter will continue to hold the existing dozer line and extend mop up operations to 200-300 feet into the black. Engines will continue with protection measure for structures potentially threatened by future fire spread to the northeast. Firefighting forces will preserve and protect cultural sites in the fire area.
Special Messages: Firefighter and public safety is always the #1 priority on any fire incident. Local fire managers report current conditions as the driest in 34 years; local fire managers report that fire conditions are about three weeks ahead of what is typically observed at this point in the season. National firefighting resources are spread thin due to significant fire activity in the West.
Prevention Messages: Stage II Fire Restrictions are in place. Campfires and open flames are not allowed. Smoking is restricted to vehicles, buildings and areas void of vegetation. Industrial operations are permitted during the hours between 1:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. only.
For further fire information, visit: www.inciweb.org
