http://inciweb.org/state/27/Latest articles for incidents in MONTANAFri, 09 Jan 2009 15:49:34 -06:00en-ushttp://inciweb.org/incident/announcements/article/1540/8385/http://inciweb.org/incident/announcements/article/1540/8385/Prescribed burning has treated about 1000 acres in the last two weeks in the Corral Creek area of the Wolf Mountains, east of Lodge Grass. After thorough preparation, about 300 acres were lit by a helicopter Thursday, September 18th, and by hand igniters the next day. Work has progressed through today, when low-intensity fire restored 210 more acres of the area's ponderosa forest. By clearing brush and shrubs, prescribed fires help to prevent a future conflagration. Before European settlement, fires on the forest floor visited these mountains every ten to twenty years, clearing forest floor debris without harming large trees. Heavy dead timber will continue smoking until snow falls, but each night's dew chills the fire, which will remain within treated areas. This was a milestone fire: the first aerial ignition of a prescribed fire by the Bureau of Indian Affairs in the Rocky Mountain and Great Plains regions.The objectives of the operations included firefighter and public...Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:09:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1553/8319/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1553/8319/For Immediate Release News Contact: Marna Daley, (406) 570-5526Date: September 30, 2008 (406) 587-6703 Spanish Peaks Fire ContainedBig Sky, MT... The Spanish Peaks Fire, located in the Spanish Peaks Subdivision near Big Sky Montana was contained last night at approximately 10:00 p.m. The fire is burning near the base of the Southern Comfort Ski Run, part of the Big Sky Ski Resort. This roughly five acre fire was human caused and is under investigation."The quick response from Big Sky Fire Department, the Gallatin National Forest, and Yellowstone Club was integral to the quick containment of this fire," said Marna Daley, Gallatin National Forest Public Affairs Officer. "There will be engines on scene today to continue mop up efforts. The two 20 person crews have been cancelled because of last nights successful suppression efforts and the two helicopters have been released."Fore more information please visit inciweb.org or call the Bozeman Ranger Station at (406)...Tue, 30 Sep 2008 08:43:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1553/8315/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1553/8315/ For Immediate Release News Contact: Marna Daley, (406) 570-5526Date: September 29, 2008Spanish Peaks Fire Detected Big Sky, MT... The Spanish Peaks Fire, located in the Spanish Peaks Subdivision near Big Sky Montana was detected this afternoon at roughly 2:30 this afternoon. The approximately 10 acre fire is burning in timber and is experiencing moderate fire behavior. The fire is currently burning near the base of the Southern Comfort Ski Run, part of the Big Sky Ski Resort.The fire is being managed as a Mutual Aid incident because it is on private property with Gallatin National Forest suppression protection responsibilities. There are numerous resources on scene including fire engines from Big Sky Rural Fire Department, the Gallatin National Forest and Yellowstone Club. Also on scene are two helicopters and an air attack. Two 20 person crews have been ordered and will arrive tomorrow morning. The cause of the fire is under investigation.Information about this fire can be found at...Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:14:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/announcements/article/1540/8250/http://inciweb.org/incident/announcements/article/1540/8250/Prescribed burning continues in the Corral Creek area of the Wolf Mountains east of Lodge Grass. After thorough preparation, about 300 acres were burned by aerial ignition Thursday, September 18th, and by hand ignition the next day. Heavy dead timber on the ground is still smoking as engines and a squad of firefighters monitor the burn Saturday, September 20th. This was a milestone fire: the first aerial ignition of a prescribed fire by the Bureau of Indian Affairs in the Rocky Mountain and Great Plains regions.The objectives of the operation included firefighter and public safety, reducing hazardous fuels accumulation, and clearing brush to increase wildlife habitat and forage. Crow Agency BIA Forestry prepared a 105-page plan to conduct the prescribed burns. Before operations can continue, current and predicted weather must fall within the prescription for a fire that is neither too mild nor too intense. Crews were prepared to work Wednesday September 17th, but relative humidities...Sat, 20 Sep 2008 16:55:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1493/8226/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1493/8226/Fire officials have been watching the Whitebark fire regularly, especially during the warming and drying trend we've had lately. They haven't seen smoke from the fire since just before Labor Day, Sept. 1. Officials will check the fire on the ground after the next rain or snow to determine if it's out or not.Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:20:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1547/8227/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1547/8227/FIRE AT RED ROCKS REFUGE LAKEVIEW, MONT., Sept. 18, 2008-Firefighters are working on a 1,000-acre blaze at the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, east of Lima.The fire was lit on Tuesday, September 9, under a plan to burn 240 acres of non-native grass.While more has burned than originally planned officials say it's all to the good.The plan was to burn smooth brome grass, a plant that grows better than native vegetation and that elk and deer don't usually eat. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service firefighters patrolled the edge of the fire for several days. But, thick plant roots harbored some embers that on Friday, September 12, flared up when a south wind and lower humidity provided favorable burning conditions, Suzanne Beauchaine, assistant refuge manager, said.Another 270 acres burned by Friday night, but the fire was blown toward the Upper Red Rock Lake and didn't pose a threat to private land or to buildings.Firefighters from the Forest Service were dispatched Friday...Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:00:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1502/8105/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1502/8105/Dunn Mountain Fire Winds Down (Billings, MT) This will be the final fire update from Kusicko's Incident Management Team (IMT). The local DNRC office is preparing to assume command of the Dunn Mountain Fire on Wednesday, September 3rd. The Incident Command Post (ICP) established in Billings Heights will be dismantled on Wednesday.Monday, scattered stump holes and heavy fuels burned, while the fire area received significant precipitation. Close to one inch of rain doused the fire during yesterday's storm. The cooler temperatures and moisture kept the fire's containment lines secure.Fire officials confirmed that four outbuildings were destroyed, in addition to a trailer, during the course of the fire.Today's weather is predicted to be in the mid 60's, with winds from the north at 5-15 mph. No rain is in the forecast for today, but isolated showers are possible the remainder of the week.A rehabilitation plan is being developed which will focus on repairing the physical...Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:21:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1493/8109/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1493/8109/The fire grew by two to three acres on Aug. 30, but as of Sept. 2 was under five inches of newTue, 02 Sep 2008 09:15:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1502/8102/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1502/8102/Dunn Mountain Fire Now 100% ContainedPeriods of heavy rain since Sunday evening have dampened fire activity, but heavy wood on the ground is holding heat. Many islands of unburned fuel still exist within the fire's perimeter.The additional aid of hotshot crews on the ground enabled firefighters to complete initial fireline construction around the northwestern flank of the fire. "We got around it and were able to hold onto it" Sunday, said Operations Chief Shawn Pearson. Elsewhere on the fire, crews began patrolling for hotspots and mopping up 200 feet in from the containment lines.Monday, cooler temperatures and rain will allow fire managers to begin demobilization of crews and equipment. Officials now feel secure enough about containment lines to raise containment levels to 100%. In a drastic change from high temperatures of Friday and Saturday, the forecasted temperatures for the fire area are expected to be in the 50's and low 60's for Monday and Tuesday. Road graders...Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:40:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/announcements/article/1502/8094/http://inciweb.org/incident/announcements/article/1502/8094/Late Saturday (08/30) when winds became gusty in the evening, Musselshell County officials began evacuating homes along Fishel Creek Road and West Musselshell Road, in the event fire crews could not hold containment lines. However, as conditions have improved Sunday, officials decided to rescind that evacuation order at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) today (08/31).Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:20:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1502/8093/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1502/8093/ (Billings, MT) Saturday brought critical successes protecting structures on the active northwestern flank of the Dunn Mountain fire. Engine crews, equipment and aircraft worked to protect ranches in thickly timbered draws and succeeded in keeping the fire east of Fattig Creek Road. Along this northern head of the fire, crews also struggled to prevent further spread to the east. "They almost had it pinched off, but it kept leaping," throwing firebrands almost 1/4 mile, said David Walks of Crow BIA helitack, working by Fattig Creek. To date, crews have been working to keep the fire west of Fishel Creek Road. Elsewhere along the fire, crews continued to secure the southern and eastern sides of the fire which have shown little activity. Gusty winds shifted from south to west to north through the afternoon; however the winds and temperatures were not as critical as previously forecasted. Musselshell County Sheriff's deputies went door to door along Fishel Creek and West...Sun, 31 Aug 2008 13:38:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/closures/article/1502/8086/http://inciweb.org/incident/closures/article/1502/8086/Due to extreme fire behavior, fire traffic congestion, and concerns for public safety, the Musselshell County Sheriff's Office ordered the following road closures:Fattig Creek Road, north of Old Divide Road.Chandler RoadSat, 30 Aug 2008 16:11:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/closures/article/1502/8071/http://inciweb.org/incident/closures/article/1502/8071/Due to safety concerns and fire traffic congestion, the following closures will remain in effect until further notice:The CA Road will be closed north of Shepherd Ah-NeiThe Shepherd Ah-Nei Recreational Area is also closed to reduce public safety concerns.Only fire traffic and affected landowners will be allowed into the fireFri, 29 Aug 2008 18:19:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1502/8040/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1502/8040/Location: 15 miles southeast of Roundup, MTFire Size: Estimated at 61,000 acres as of 9 am on Aug. 28Incident Commander: Doug Williams, Type 3 IMT and Phil Ehlers, IC Shepherd VFDCause: Natural causesEstimated Containment: 09/05/08Resources on the Fire: 3 helicopters, 21 Wildland Engines, 3 Tenders, 1 Type 2 Handcrew, 3 Dozers, 2 Patrols, Overhead. More resources on order (Aug. 28)Total Personnel: 114Cooperating Agencies: Several Counties, MT DNRC and BLM. Landownership: Private, State and BLMRoad Closure: CA Road closed north of Shepherd Ah-Nei recreation area. Shepherd Ah-Nei Recreation Area closed.Bridge Out: Bridge at Railroad Creek Road is out. Cause is undetermined at this time.Damage / Loss: Some livestock loss. Significant loss of stacked hay.Dwayne Andrews: Fire Information 406-852-0020Christine Tincher: Fire InformationWed, 27 Aug 2008 15:07:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1502/8031/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1502/8031/The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning from noon until 9:00pm today for southcentral and southeast Montana, including the areas around the Dunn Mountain Fire. Forecasters expect low humidity and west winds 25-40mph with gusts to 50mph. These conditions will challenge firefighters as they continue efforts to corral the Dunn Mountain Fire, which jumped the fire lines after strong, erratic winds blew across the region Monday evening.An Incident Management Team has been ordered to manage the blaze, and will arrive for an inbriefing tonight. Today, firefighters plan to utilize engines, dozers, and aircraft (as winds permit) to attempt to construct and reinforce firelines.There are no evacuation orders in effect at this time. Approximately 80 personnel are currently working on theWed, 27 Aug 2008 10:50:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1493/8032/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1493/8032/The Whitebark fire is now estimated to have burned 16 acres.Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:48:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1493/8022/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1493/8022/The Whitebark fire was seen smoldering on Tuesday, Aug. 26 by a Forest Service observer who hiked to the fire. The area where the fire is burning got snow and rain last night. And the fire is burning is such rugged terrain that it was difficult to hike around it to map it.The fire has been seen in Philipsburg and Moose Lake, however smoke on Aug. 25 that laid down in those areas is thought to have come from fires in southwest Idaho, not the WhitebarkTue, 26 Aug 2008 14:13:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1483/8019/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1483/8019/Start Date: August 18, 2008 Cause: Under investigation Phone: (406)266-3425 Location: Twelve miles east of Townsend and north of U.S. Highway 12 Current Size: 755 acres Containment: 100% Resources Assigned: 1 - 20 person crew, 3 engines, 1 skigine, miscellaneous support and rehabilitation personnel for a total of 35 people. Closures: A closure continues for the West Fork of Cabin Gulch Rd (4181), and all National Forest System lands north, south and west of this road between the North Fork of Deep Creek and U.S. Highway 12. Road 423 remains open to the public. Current Status: Today's weather will remain cool with expected temperatures into the upper 60's. Winds are expected to remain brisk through out today and into tonight. Expect to see areas of smoldering within the fire perimeter and well away from the fire lines. The lines have been cleared of hazards but the interior is still dangerous. Planned Actions: Firefighters continue to mop up today. Some rehabilitation is...Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:45:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1493/8007/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1493/8007/The Whitebark fire now has burned three acres. A Forest Service observer reported Monday (August 25) that the fire was burning on both sides of the ridge now. The fire was judged to have little potential to spread farther east, but could possibly burn farther west. Open flame was seen on both sides of the ridge.Officials will continue to monitor theMon, 25 Aug 2008 13:30:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1498/8000/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1498/8000/Fire Fact Sheet The Knowlton Complex: August 25, 2008 Location: 45 miles east and south of Miles City, MT Fire Size: Estimated at 7,311 acres for the complex Incident Commander: Doug Williams, Type 3 IMT Cause: Lightning on the evening of August 21. Estimated Containment: 1900 hours, August 24, 2008 Resources on the Fire: 2 helicopters, 33 Wildland Engines, 6 Tenders, 6 Dozers, 2 Patrols, 38 Overhead Total Personnel: 154 Cooperating Agencies: Numerous landowners are fighting the fire. Several Counties, MT DNRC and BLM. Landownership: Private, State and BLM This is the last fire fact sheet for the KnowltonMon, 25 Aug 2008 10:30:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1483/7977/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1483/7977/ Update Bear Gulch Fire August 24, 2008 THIS WILL BE THE LAST DAILY UPDATE FOR THE BEAR GULCH FIRE Location: Twelve miles east of Townsend and north of U.S. Highway 12Start Date: August 18, 2008 Cause: Under investigationCurrent Size: 755 acresContainment: 96 percentContact: Gary Hoshide, Information OfficerPhone: (406) 266-4666Beginning August 25th, the Bear Gulch Fire Information phone number (above) will no longer be in service. For information related to this fire, please call the Townsend Ranger District Office at 406-266-3425. Camp Tours: The public is invited to afternoon tours of fire camp on Sunday. Tours will begin at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.. The camp is located at the Broadwater County Fairgrounds, east of Townsend. Please check-in with camp security at the main entrance to the camp. Resources Assigned: Jess Secrest's Type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team is managing the fire and 233 firefighters and support personnel are assigned to the incident. One...Sun, 24 Aug 2008 09:00:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1483/7954/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1483/7954/ Update Bear Gulch Fire August 23, 2008 Start Date: August 18, 2008 Contact: Gary Hoshide, Information OfficerPhone: (406) 266-4666Cause: Under investigation. Location: Twelve miles east of Townsend and north of U.S. Highway 12. Current Size: 755 acres Containment: 91 % Camp Tours: The public is invited to afternoon tours of fire camp today. Tours will begin at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.. The camp is located at the Broadwater County Fairgrounds, east of Townsend. Please check-in with camp security at the main entrance to the camp. Resources Assigned: Jess Secrest's Type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team is managing the fire and 270 firefighters and support personnel are assigned to the incident. Two helicopters are assigned. Closures: All area and roads east of the Broadwater County Road/North Fork of Deep Creek Rd (423) to the point where the road crosses between T7N, R4E, sections 7 and 8. Then directly east approx. ¼ mile to the North Fork of Deep Creek. Then along...Sat, 23 Aug 2008 09:21:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1483/7935/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1483/7935/ Update Bear Gulch Fire August 22, 2008 Start Date: August 18, 2008 Contact: Gary Hoshide, Information OfficerPhone: (406) 266-4666Cause: Under investigation Location: Twelve miles east of Townsend and north of U.S. Highway 12. Current Size: 755 acres Containment: 72% Camp Tours: The public is invited to afternoon tours of fire camp on Saturday and Sunday. Tours will be at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., on both days. The camp is located at the Broadwater County Fairgrounds, east of Townsend. Please check-in with camp security at the main entrance to the camp. Resources Assigned: Jess Secrest's Type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team is managing the fire and 305 firefighters and support personnel are assigned to the incident. Three helicopters are assigned. Closures: All area and roads east of the Broadwater County Road/North Fork of Deep Creek Rd (423) to the East Fork of Cabin Gulch Rd (423), south to US Highway 12, due to fire activity. The closure applies to National...Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:24:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1493/8008/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1493/8008/After heavy rain on August 20, observers were not been able to see any smoke from the fire on August 21. On August 22, a fire reconnaissance flight saw smoke at the fire, but noted no change in its size of one-tenthThu, 21 Aug 2008 14:36:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1493/7907/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1493/7907/DILLON, MONT., Aug. 20, 2008, 5 p.m.-A fire reconnaissance flight this morning found a small fire burning on a remote ridge in the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, 26 miles southwest of Philipsburg.The fire appears to have started from lightning on Tuesday (August 19) but so far has burned just one-tenth acre of whitebark pine.Because of the fire's location, its low potential to grow, and the relatively mild fire season, Forest Service officials have decided not to try to put the fire out."With rain coming soon this fire won't do much except improve conditions for future whitebark pine," Jack de Golia, spokesman for the Dillon Interagency Dispatch Center said.The fire is about one mile west of Johnson Lake, three miles southeast of Ivanhoe Lake, and two miles northeast of Bitterroot Pass. The blaze is in the part of the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness that's in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.For more information on the Whitebark fire, go to...Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:14:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/closures/article/1483/7903/http://inciweb.org/incident/closures/article/1483/7903/HELENA NATIONAL FOREST - TOWNSEND RANGER DISTRICTSPECIAL ORDER H-08-06EMERGENCY ORDER for AREA CLOSUREIn order to provide for Public SafetyNorth Fork of Deep Creek Road and the Cabin Gulch Road area Pursuant to 36 Code of Federal Regulations 261.50 (a) and (b) restrictions are in effect on the Helena National Forest. These restrictions are in addition to those enumerated in Subpart A, part 261, Title 36 code of Federal Regulations, and become effective when signed and will remain in effect until rescinded or revoked. 36 CFR 261.53 Special closures: It is prohibited to go into or be upon any area which is closed for the protection of Public Health and Safety. [Title 36, 261.53(e)]. For the purpose of this order it is prohibited from going into or being upon all National Forest System Lands administered by the Helena National forest as depicted in the map, Attachment A, hereby made part of this order. All area and roads east of the Broadwater County Road/North Fork of Deep Creek Rd...Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:23:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1472/7853/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1472/7853/Saturday the Deep Draw fire exhibited minimal fire behavior, largely smoldering and creeping, occasionally burning of pockets of trees inside the fire line. Crews continued to make good progress holding and mopping up hot spots inside the fireline. Palm IR's, or handheld infrared heat sensors, were used to help identify the areas with heat. The hot and dry weather is providing an excellent test of the firelines. Equipment and crews continued opening up access roads. Crews and equipment cleared, brushed or constructed over 62 miles of fireline in the course of the week's work fighting this fire-of that total, 43 miles were indirect contingency firelines.Plans for Sunday include rehabilitating roads that have been opened. Slash consisting of brush and cut logs will be piled alongside these roads. Crews will continue to patrol and mop up hot spots along the fireline.Sunday is expected to be hot and dry with temperatures in the low 90's. Winds are predicted to be light,...Sun, 17 Aug 2008 11:18:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1432/7800/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1432/7800/The Cactus fire was declared "out"Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:00:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1458/7751/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1458/7751/Twenty firefighters from the Lolo National Forest left the Deer Creek fire, 35 miles southeast of Dillon, on Monday.The two remaining smokejumpers there will patrol this 15-acre fire until at least noon on Tuesday (AugustMon, 11 Aug 2008 15:30:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1438/7737/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1438/7737/Cascade Fire 10,173 acres 85% containment Tumble Creek Fire 380 acres 100% containment The Cascade Fire is six miles west of Red Lodge, Montana. Brad McBratney's Type 3 Fire Team Organization is fighting the fire. McBratney's team is also managing the Tumble Creek Fire approximately 40 miles to the west. Stage 1 Fire restrictions are in effect throughout the Beartooth Ranger District. The Beartooth Ranger District is available for further information at (406) 446-2103.Yesterday's Activities: On the Cascade Fire, crews continued to mop up, cut hazard trees and identify hot spots. Air patrols monitored the Tumble Creek Fire.Today's Planned Activities: On the Cascade Fire, engine crews will patrol the West Fork Road from Basin Creek trailhead west, continuing mop up and falling hazard trees. Resources will identify hotspots and rehab the burned area. The Cascade and Tumble Creek Fires will be monitored from the air and do bucket work as needed.Resources assigned: 1...Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:39:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1458/7733/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1458/7733/The Deer Creek fire was declared "contained" on Saturday, Aug. 9, at 8:50 p.m. The 22 firefighters still on the fire will continue mopping up until Monday, Aug. 11, when the 20-person crew from the Lolo National Forest will leave the fire. The remaining two smokejumpers will patrol the fire for a day or two until it can be declaredSun, 10 Aug 2008 17:11:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1438/7716/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1438/7716/Cascade Fire 10,173 acres 85% containment Tumble Creek Fire 380 acres 100% containment The Cascade Fire is six miles west of Red Lodge, Montana. Brad McBratney's Type 3 Fire Team Organization is fighting the fire. McBratney's team is also managing the Tumble Creek Fire approximately 40 miles to the west. Stage 1 Fire restrictions are in effect throughout the Beartooth Ranger District. The Beartooth Ranger District is available for further information at (406) 446-2103.Yesterday's Activities: On the Cascade Fire, crews made good progress mopping up along the West Fork Rock Creek Road. Engine crews continued to cut hazard trees. Resources also continued to identify hotspots on the Cascade and Tumble Creek Fire yesterday. The Tumble Creek Fire infrared report indicated only a few hot spots.Today's Planned Activities: On the Cascade Fire, engine crews will patrol the West Fork Road from Basin Creek trailhead west, continuing mop up and falling hazard trees. Resources...Sun, 10 Aug 2008 09:15:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1454/7715/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1454/7715/ Judith Ranger District 109 Central AvenuePO Box 484 Stanford, MT 59479 Voice (406) 566-2292 Fax (406) 566-2408 www.fs.fed.us/r1/lewisclark Sunday, August 10, 2008 News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE STANFORD, MT - The Russian Flats Fire was started by lightning and reported on August 2, 2008. It is burning along Ettien Ridge, approximately 27 miles southwest of Stanford, MT. The fire is 743 acres and 90 percent contained, as of Saturday evening. One 20-person handcrew, supported by several engines, will continue to mop up the hot spots, until fully contained. Afternoon scattered showers and thunderstorms continue to help the fire suppression efforts.Closure of the South Fork Judith River Road (Forest Road 487) and a Special Closure Order around fire area will remain in effect through today. Adjustment to the closures will be assessed after today. For information on the fire and changes in the closures, contact the Judith Ranger District Office at 406-566-2292. Fire maps and closure...Sun, 10 Aug 2008 08:16:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1438/7712/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1438/7712/Current Size: 10,173 acres Containment: 85% The Cascade Fire is six miles west of Red Lodge, Montana. Brad McBratney's Type 3 Fire Team Organization is fighting the fire. McBratney's team has also assumed command of the 380 acre Tumble Creek Fire that has 100% containment. Stage 1 Fire restrictions are in effect throughout the Beartooth Ranger District. Call the Beartooth Ranger District for further information at (406) 446-2103.Today's Activities: Crews made good progress mopping up along the West Ford Rock Creek Road. Engine crews continued to cut hazard trees. Resources also continued to identify hotspots and rehab the burned area. Resources assigned: 2 hand crews, 3 engines, and 2 helicopters for a total of 136. Weather and Fire Behavior: The afternoon minimum humidity was 30-35% with a maximum temperature of 75 degrees. Light rain fell over parts of the fire today. The fire had interior creeping and smoldering of unburned pockets of fuel.Evacuations, Closures: All...Sat, 09 Aug 2008 20:58:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1458/7711/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1458/7711/DILLON, MONT., Aug. 9, 2008, 7:15 p.m.-Lightning on Friday and Saturday (Aug. 8 and 9) has started a number of new, small fires in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.Saturday morning, firefighters from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation put out a spot fire in the national forest about 15 miles southeast of Lima.Firefighters from the Forest Service also contained a quarter-acre fire nine miles northwest of Wisdom.Later, Saturday afternoon thunderstorms brought both rain and lightning that started several more fires in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge forest.The Whetstone fire, estimated to have burned 10 to 20 acres, is burning 25 miles southwest of Philipsburg. Three firefighters are hiking in to this remote fire.The Duncie fire, 21 miles west-southwest of Philipsburg, has burned just one-quarter acre. Two firefighters are working on that fire.Firefighters at the Deer Creek fire, 35 miles southeast of Dillon, reported smoke about one mile southeast of there....Sat, 09 Aug 2008 19:26:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1438/7710/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1438/7710/Sat, 09 Aug 2008 16:38:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1454/7701/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1454/7701/ News Update Russian FlatsFire August 9, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Gary Hoshide Fire Start: August 2, 2008Cause: LightningTotal Acres: 743 acresContainment: 84 percent Phone: 406-423-5457Beginning Sunday, August 10th, the Russian Flats Fire Information phone number (above) will no longer be in service. For information related to this fire, please call the Judith Ranger District Office at 406-566-2292. THIS WILL BE THE LAST DAILY NEWS UPDATE FOR THE RUSSIAN FLATS FIRE Fire History: The Russian Flats Fire is located 10 miles southwest of Sapphire Village, and 27 miles southwest of Stanford, MT on the Judith Ranger District of the Lewis and Clark National Forest. The fire, which started by lightning on August 2, was mapped, using GPS, at 743 acres. Friday afternoon thunderstorms produced hail and a wetting rain over the fire area. Today's Operations: Jess Secrest's team will begin transitioning to a smaller Type 4 organization to complete the final mop-up of the...Sat, 09 Aug 2008 09:02:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1438/7700/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1438/7700/Current Size: 10,173 acres Containment: 85% The Cascade Fire is six miles west of Red Lodge, Montana. Brad McBratney's Type 3 Fire Team Organization is fighting the fire. McBratney's team is also providing support for the 380 acre Tumble Creek Fire approximately 40 miles to the west. Stage 1 Fire restrictions are in effect throughout the Beartooth Ranger District. Call the Beartooth Ranger District for further information at (406) 446-2103.Yesterday's Activities: Crews were busy mopping up and patrolling the northeast and south corners of the fire. Engine crews continued to cut hazard trees The north, west and southwest corner was patrolled from the air. Today's Planned Activities: Crews will be improving and securing containment lines, mopping up, falling snags and patrolling for isolated hotspots. The northwest and southwest perimeters of the fire will be in air patrol status. Engine crews will patrol the West Fork road from Basin Creek trailhead west, continuing...Sat, 09 Aug 2008 08:34:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1438/7699/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1438/7699/Current Size: 10,173 acres Containment: 85% The Cascade Fire is six miles west of Red Lodge, Montana. Brad McBratney's Type 3 Fire Team Organization is fighting the fire. McBratney's team is also providing support for the 380 acre Tumble Creek Fire approximately 40 miles to the west. Stage 1 Fire restrictions are in effect throughout the Beartooth Ranger District. Call the Beartooth Ranger District for further information at (406) 446-2103.Today's Activities: Crews were busy mopping up and patrolling the east and south corners of the fire. Engine crews continued to snag hazard trees The northwest and southwest perimeters of the fire were in air patrol status. Engine crews patrolled the West Fork road from Basin Creek trailhead west, continuing mop up and falling hazard trees. Resources continued to identify hotspots and rehab the burned area. Resources assigned: 3 hand crews, 5 engines, and 3 helicopters for a total of 175. Weather and Fire Behavior: The afternoon minimum...Fri, 08 Aug 2008 21:18:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/closures/article/1438/7696/http://inciweb.org/incident/closures/article/1438/7696/Order Number 08-08-02-13 CUSTER NATIONAL FORESTBEARTOOTH RANGER DISTRICTAREA CLOSURE Pursuant to Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations 261.50 (a) and (b) the following restrictions are in effect on the Beartooth Ranger District, Custer National Forest. These restrictions are in addition to those enumerated in Subpart A, Part 261, Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, and become effective 9:00 p.m. (noon) Mountain Daylight Time August 7, 2008 when signed and will remain in effect until rescinded. 36 CFR 261.52 - FIRE All persons are prohibited from going into or being upon National Forest Service System Lands within the area described below, Title 36 CFR 261.52 (e): Beginning in Section 2, T8S, R19E (West Fork Road #71 at Timber Crest Girl Scout Camp) going north and west through sections 28, 29 30 then just north of Bare Mountain, then going west and south to the junction of Red Lodge Creek Trail (Trail #14) and Senia Creek Trail (Trail # 13) then south near Grass Mountain to Sundance...Fri, 08 Aug 2008 18:50:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1458/7697/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1458/7697/Firefighters at the Deer Creek fire now have the fire surrounded by a fire line. They have also set up hoses and water pumps for about 80 percent of the fire. The fire didn't grow onFri, 08 Aug 2008 18:45:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1458/7689/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1458/7689/DILLON, MONT., Aug. 8, 2008, 10:30 a.m.-Firefighters have built fireline around half of the Deer Creek fire perimeter, 35 miles southeast of Dillon in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.Light rain fell on the lightning-caused fire Thursday evening (August 7) and the fire didn't grow.Friday's weather forecast calls for more rain and higher humidity, which will help firefighters.The fire has burned 10 acres of lodgepole pine and subalpine fir. There are also 10 spot fires outside the fire's main perimeter that total about five more acres.A 20-person fire crew from the Lolo National Forest is hiking to fire Friday morning (Aug. 8). They will join 16 smokejumpers from West Yellowstone who have been working on the fire since ThursdayFri, 08 Aug 2008 10:44:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1438/7687/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1438/7687/The Cascade Fire is six miles west of Red Lodge, Montana. Brad McBratney's Type 3 Fire Team Organization is fighting the fire. McBratney's team is also providing air support for the 380 acre Tumble Creek Fire approximately 40 miles to the west. Stage 1 Fire restrictions are in effect throughout the Beartooth Ranger District. Call the Beartooth Ranger District for further information at (406) 446-2103.Yesterday's Activities: Crews were busy mopping up and patrolling the northeast and south corners of the fire. Engine crews continued to snag hazard trees The north, west and southwest corner was patrolled from the air. Helicopter support was provided to the Tumble Creek Fire. Today's Planned Activities: Crews will be improving and securing containment lines, mopping up, falling snags and patrolling for isolated hotspots. The northwest and southwest perimeters of the fire will be in air patrol status. Engine crews will patrol the West Fork road from Basin Creek trailhead...Fri, 08 Aug 2008 10:23:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1454/7684/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1454/7684/ News Update Russian FlatsFire August 8, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Gary Hoshide Phone: 406-423-5457 Fire Start: August 2, 2008 Cause: Lightning Total Acres: 743 acres Containment: 72 percent Fire History: The Russian Flats Fire is located 10 miles southwest of Sapphire Village, and 27 miles southwest of Stanford, MT on the Judith Ranger District of the Lewis and Clark National Forest. The fire, which started by lightning on August 2, was mapped, using GPS, at 743 acres. Warmer temperatures on Thursday allowed firefighters to find additional spot fires that have been smoldering for the last few days. Some spots are up to 1/2 mile away from the fire perimeter. Lightning forced firefighters to seek cover from a passing thunderstorm late Thursday. The estimated containment date remains August 10th. Today's Operations: The fire did receive some measurable rain from yesterday's thunderstorms, Thursday. On Friday, crews working on the southern and eastern flanks will...Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:40:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1438/7679/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1438/7679/The Cascade Fire is six miles west of Red Lodge, Montana. Bennett's Type 1 Northern Rockies Interagency Incident Management Team is fighting the fire. Brad McBratney's Type 3 Fire Team organization is taking over the fire from Bennett's Northern Rockies Incident Management Team today at 6:00 p.m. Stage 1 Fire restrictions are in effect throughout the Beartooth Ranger District. Call the Beartooth Ranger District for further information at 406 446-2103.Today's Activities: Crews mopped up and secured lines on the north, east and south sides of the fire. Dozer lines along the controlled perimeter were rehabilitated. Helicopters flew in crews and provided reconnaissance for the incoming fire officials. Demobilization or reassignment is in progress for many resources. Weather and Fire Behavior: The afternoon minimum humidity was 25% with a temperature of 80 degrees. The fire had interior creeping and smoldering of unburned pockets of fuel.Public Meeting: A public meeting...Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:53:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1458/7677/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1458/7677/DILLON, MONT., Aug. 7, 2008, 1:15 p.m.-Smokejumpers called in air tankers to drop four loads of fire retardant on the Deer Creek fire, 35 miles southeast of Dillon in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.The fire is now "boxed in" by the retardant. Smokejumpers feel that even if forecast afternoon winds fan the fire, it will run out of vegetation to burn at the top of a nearby ridge.The West Yellowstone smokejumpers now estimate the fire to has burned five to 10 acres of lodgepole pine and subalpine fir. They describe the fire as a "clean burn," meaning there's not much unburned vegetation left inside the fire perimeter.There are also 10 spot fires outside the fire's main perimeter that the smokejumpers are working on.Sixteen smokejumpers parachuted to the fire Thursday morning. The lightning-caused fire was first reported on August 6 around 6 p.m.For more information on the Deer Creek fire, go toThu, 07 Aug 2008 13:57:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1458/7673/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1458/7673/DILLON, MONT., Aug. 7, 2008, 10:15 a.m.-Thursday morning (Aug. 7), eight smokejumpers parachuted to a remote lightning-caused fire, 35 miles southeast of Dillon in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.They reported the "Deer Creek" fire was "creeping" through duff and brush, with isolated trees occasionally torching.The fire had burned 10 acres of lodgepole pine and subalpine fir, and scattered spot fires over another five acres.The smokejumpers reported that 20 to 30 percent of the trees have been killed by insects.The smokejumpers came from West Yellowstone.Another eight smokejumpers from West Yellowstone were set to parachute to the fire by late morning.The "Deer Creek" fire was first reported Wednesday night at about 6 p.m.Two engines from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and one from the Forest Service, all from Dillon, responded. The engines were able to get within two miles of the fire. By then, night had fallen. After a difficult hike over rough...Thu, 07 Aug 2008 10:39:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1454/7669/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1454/7669/ News Update Russian FlatsFire August 7, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Gary Hoshide Phone: 406-423-5457 Fire Start: August 2, 2008 Cause: Lightning Total Acres: 639 acres Containment: 53 percent Fire History: The Russian Flats Fire is located 10 miles southwest of Sapphire Village, and 27 miles southwest of Stanford, MT on the Judith Ranger District of the Lewis and Clark National Forest. The fire, which started by lightning on August 2, is mapped at 639 acres. Good progress has been made towards containing the fire. On Wednesday, crews used fireline explosives to build over a mile of fireline through steep, rugged terrain. The estimated date of containment is August 10th. Today's Operations: Crews will finish constructing fireline to secure the east flank. Handline construction on the north flank will continue. Continue working on hotspots around the fire perimeter with water bucket support from helicopters. Personnel on Fire: 255 firefighters are currently assigned to...Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:24:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1446/7670/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1446/7670/The pump station fire was declared "controlled" at 6:20 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6. No further updates are planned for thisThu, 07 Aug 2008 09:06:00 -06:00http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1438/7668/http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/1438/7668/The Cascade Fire is six miles west of Red Lodge, Montana. Bennett's Type 1 Northern Rockies Interagency Incident Management Team is fighting the fire. Brad McBratney's Type 3 Team is taking over the fire from Bennett's Northern Rockies Incident Management Team today, August 7 at 6:00 p.m. Stage 1 Fire restrictions are in effect throughout the Beartooth Ranger District. Call the Beartooth Ranger District for further information at (406) 446-2103.Yesterday's Activities: Crews mopped up and secured lines on the north, east and south sides of the fire. Dozer lines along the controlled perimeter were rehabilitated. Structure protection equipment was removed in most areas. Five thousand pounds of cargo was flown off the fire today. . Today's Planned Activities: On the east side of the line, crews will continue to mop up 300' into the fire, falling hazard trees that may threaten the established line and placing water bars along the line to minimize erosion potential....Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:29:00 -06:00