Incident: Porcupine
Released: 7/30/2007
Fire Starts East of Porcupine Station
Livingston, MT... Late Sunday afternoon, July 29, 2007 there was a report of a fire burning on US Forest Service lands on the Livingston District. The Porcupine fire is estimated at 124 acres and is burning into steep rocky terrain in the Crazy Mountains north and east of Wilsall, MT. The actual site of the fire is in the headwaters of South Fork of the Shields River, between Black Mountain and Sunlight Peak. Much of the fire is bordered by rocky cliffs to the north and east. There are 23 forest personnel on the site, including smoke jumpers, rappellers and other forest fire crew members. There is also one helicopter working the fire with bucket drops
"People may see more smoke in that area throughout the afternoon due to low humidity's and a changing weather front" states Ashley Sites, East Zone Fire Management Officer "due to extreme terrain and limited fuels within the fire, personnel will be building line along the perimeter north and west side, encouraging it to run out of fuel in the rocks".
The South Fork of Shield Trail #265 will be closed for public health and safety.
Forest visitors to the Gallatin National Forest are reminded that all campfires are banned. Also keep in mind out side of the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness any industrial activities such as cutting firewood are only allowed between the hours of 1:00A.M. and 1:00P.M. with a 1 hour patrol following work. All driving off roads and trails is also prohibited.
For more information call the Livingston Ranger District at (406) 222-1892.
