Saturday 8/25 8 AM Mdt Update
Incident: Jocko Lakes Wildland Fire
Released: 8/25/2007
Saturday, August 25, 2007 - 8 a.m. MDT Daily Update
Jocko Lakes
- 34,980 acres
- 38% contained
- $19,854,245 cost to date
- 1,039 total personnel
Ovando Point
- 70 acres
- 100% contained
WHAT'S NEW & EVENTS:
· A red flag warning is in effect today from 2 pm until 9 pm this evening for low humidity and gusty winds over western Montana. Predicted winds, low humidity and very dry fuels will create dangerous fire weather conditions. Fire activity is expected to transition from smoldering behavior to creeping and open flame with potential for torching and spotting associated with the gusty winds.
· Seeley Lake and all Seeley Lake Forest Service campgrounds and boat launches are open for public use at 8 a.m. today.
· Public tours of the helibase located at the Seeley Lake airport offered today from 1-3 p.m.
JOCKO LAKES FIRE STATUS: Yesterday, firefighters contained a spot at the SE flank of the fire near Spook Lake. Firefighters also successfully conducted two small burnout operations on the SE flank, and continued with mop up efforts supported by helicopter water bucket drops. On the north end, crews continued building hand and dozer line, mopped up and worked on several hot spots. On the east flank, spotting embers rekindled vegetation at the Cahoon Ranch but firefighters quickly contained the spot fire.
Today, the majority of resources will be working in the SE corner of the fire to improve line and mop up the hot spots. Firefighters will continue to patrol, grid and backhaul excess equipment on the E flank of the fire. An airborne mapping device will be utilized for detection of hot spots. On the N end, crews will continue with line construction and mop up, burning out as necessary. On the W flank, operations personnel will scout for potential control lines. The structure protection group will utilize hand-held heat detection devices to ensure adequate mop up of hot areas near structures. A public protection law enforcement group is in place and prepared to implement 12-hour notifications if necessary.
OVANDO FIRE: Firefighters continue to mop up and grid for remaining hot spots. An infrared flight is scheduled to assist with detection of hot areas.
RESOURCE CONCERNS: Private residences, commercial operations, cultural and historic resources.
SAFETY CONCERNS: Firefighter and air operations safety, particularly with the predicted weather; additional weekend and recreation traffic on Highway 83 and hazard trees.
FIRE FACTS: Started: August 3, 2007; Cause: Lightning; Location: west of Seeley Lake; Resources: 23 hand crews, 6 helicopters, 54 engines, 17 dozers, 27 water tenders, 3 camp crews, and 189 overhead.
WEATHER: Mostly sunny with highs near 70 highest ridges to lower 80s lower valleys. Rh 15% valleys to 22% higher ridges. Ridgetop winds SW to W 10-15 mph increasing to 15-20 mph in the early afternoon with gusts to 25 mph. Upslope/upvalley winds 4-7 mph becoming SW to W 10-15 mph in the early afternoon with some gusts to 20 mph. Chance of wetting rain 0%.
COOPERATING AGENCIES & PARTNERS: Montana DNRC, The Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation, Lolo NF, Missoula County Sheriff's Office, Seeley Lake Fire Department, Missoula Rural Fire, Missoula County, Montana National Guard, Montana Dept of Transportation, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
