Sunday, 8/26, 8 AM Mdt Update
Incident: Jocko Lakes Wildland Fire
Released: 8/26/2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007 - 8 a.m. MDT Daily Update
Jocko Lakes
- 34,918 acres
- 38% contained
- $20,792,659 cost to date
- 1,052 total personnel
Ovando Point
- 70 acres
- 100% contained
WHAT'S NEW & EVENTS:
- A red flag warning is in effect today from 10 am until 8 pm this evening for strong westerly winds. Predicted winds, low humidity and very dry fuels will create dangerous fire weather conditions.
- A Radiometric (high quality infrared) flight will be conducted over the southeast side of the Jocko Lakes Fire and the Ovando Fire to detect remaining hotspots.
- A long-term fire analyst (LTAN) is being utilized to help identify suppression alternatives for the west flank.
- A public meeting will be held at 8 p.m. Monday, August 27 at the Seeley Lake Elementary School.
JOCKO LAKES FIRE STATUS: Yesterday, firefighters successfully held all fire lines despite sustained winds of 20-25 mph, and through gusts to 45 mph on the north end of the fire. Winds on the southeast flank of the fire were not as strong and did not threaten the fire line. The wind did cause torching of trees in the interior of the fire line. North and south flanks of the fire continued to be supported by helicopter water bucket drops. Although increased fire activity on the Jocko Lakes fire contributed to the smoke in the Seeley Lake area, the majority of the smoke was due to fire growth on the Sawmill Complex in the Rock Creek drainage, 22 miles SE of Missoula.
Today gusty winds, dry fuels and steep terrain will continue to challenge suppression efforts. Crews will focus on holding containment lines through an additional day of wind. With poor overnight humidity recovery and warmer overnight temps, increased fire behavior could be observed earlier in the day. Crews will continue to patrol outside the fire line along the E side of the fire to watch for potential embers carried by the wind. On the N end of the fire, resources are extending line to the W. On the SE flank of the fire, firefighters continue to hold and improve containment lines. Firefighters will begin line construction on the W side of the fire, moving towards the N. A structure protection group remains in place in the Placid Lake area. A night shift continues to mop up and patrol along the eastern flank of the fire.
OVANDO FIRE: This fire remains 100 percent contained and firefighters will continue to mop up, monitor and start rehabilitation efforts.
RESOURCE CONCERNS: Private residences, commercial operations, cultural and historic resources.
SAFETY CONCERNS: Firefighter and air operations safety, particularly with the predicted weather; falling snags, bears, and additional weekend and recreation traffic on Highway 83.
FIRE FACTS: Started: August 3, 2007; Cause: Lightning; Location: west of Seeley Lake; Resources: 23 hand crews, 6 helicopters, 52 engines, 17 dozers, 24 water tenders, 3 camp crews, and 374 overhead.
WEATHER: Today partly cloudy in the morning with afternoon cumulus. Highs 60-64 on the ridges and 68-73 lower valleys. Rh 23-36% valleys and 29-32% ridges. Ridgetop winds W to NW 20-25 mph with gusts to 35 mph. Slope/valley winds W to WNW 15-20 mph with gusts to 25 mph.
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.
