Jocko Lakes Fire Daily Update Tuesday August 14,20
Incident: Jocko Lakes Wildland Fire
Released: 8/14/2007
Fire Status:
The Jocko Lakes Fire remains very active as the historically dry weather in Western Montana continues. Temperatures in the 90's and low humidity's are forecasted. Extreme fire danger persists with no relief in the foreseeable future. The fire made runs in the drainage of the North Fork of Placid Creek; this is in the northwest section of the fire. On the southern edge crews tied in and strengthened lines near Finley Creek and are preparing suppression activities which will include burnout operations. Crews were forced to use indirect suppression activities due to severe conditions. A spot fire in the North Boy Scout Road area was successfully suppressed. Spot fires persist in the afternoon as winds, heat, and humidity combine to create extreme fire behavior. Crews remain successful in preventing the main fire from crossing the West Bypass Road. Spot fires in the afternoon challenge crews daily. Thunderstorms are forecasted in the next few days which could bring erratic winds. These winds combined with extremely volatile fuel conditions might cause dangerous fire behavior and challenge firefighters to maintain safe operations.
Closures: Highway 83 between Clearwater Junction and Mile Marker 31 (at the summit) is restricted to residents or persons having a business in the area only.
Evacuations remain in place due to the extremely active fire behavior.
These areas included:
·1. South Boy Scout Road from 83 to the Clearwater Bridge.
·2. Riverview Drive from 83 to Riverview Bridge over Clearwater River.
·3. The two subdivisions adjacent to Riverview Bridge.
·4. Daisy Lane.
·5. Wagon Wheel Way.
·6. Overland Trail.
The Seeley and Placid Lake water bodies remain closed to recreational boat use. This will allow helicopters and water scooping planes to continue filling from the lake.
The American Red Cross has re-opened the evacuation center at Bonner Elementary.
Weather:
Today- Smokey, Temperatures; 87 - 92 valley, 75-84 ridge top, Humidity: 8-18% Winds: valley- W 2 to 4 mph, afternoon gusts to 15 mph Forecast: High pressure will begin to breakdown as a cold front moves in on Thursday.
