Jocko Lakes Fire Daily Update, Monday 13,2007
Incident: Jocko Lakes Wildland Fire
Released: 8/13/2007
Fire Status:
Red Flag conditions for the Jocko Lakes fire yesterday resulted in an afternoon change and acceleration of winds that drew flames out of containment lines and resulted in renewed evacuation orders for the Seeley Lake Area.
AFTERNOON- Spot fires across the eastern edge of the fire nearest the Eagle Point Subdivision resulted in structural protection engines to foaming the houses and to burning out vegetation surrounding them before disengaging to assess the situation, then reengaged. Smoke from the Idaho wildfires moved over the fire quieting the breakout from containment lines and firefighters were able move back in and rebuild the containment lines and assess the structures. No homes were lost and overnight crews were able to reestablish lines around the area. The fire did not cross the West Bypass Road.
Closures:
The resulting conditions triggered an evacuation notice for several areas on the west side of Seeley Lake. The American Red Cross re-opened the evacuation center in Bonner.
The Seeley Lake and Placid Lake is closed to recreational boat use to allow helicopters and water scooping planes to fill from the lake. Highway 83 is closed from Clearwater Junction to Mile Marker 31 (at the summit).
WEATHER:
Smokey: the inversion should lift around noon with temperatures mid-80's to 90's, low humidity, and variable winds gusting in the afternoon.
We ask for the public's cooperation in slowing down along Highway 83 in the Seeley Lake area to reduce the potential for vehicle accidents.
COOPERATING AGENCIES:
Lolo NF, Montana DNRC, Missoula County Sheriff's office, BIA Tribal Game Wardens, Seeley Lake Fire Department, Missoula Rural Fire, Missoula County, Missoula County Sheriff, MT National Guard
