Wildfire News Thread 7/18: Intermountain West Burning, Sawtooth winding down

Haines Index Map - Higher Haines means fire growth tends to be stronger:

Haiines index

Fuel Dryness: Tells you how likely things are to burn if a fire gets started:

ten hour fuels

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SITUATION REPORT
TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2006 – 0530 MDT
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS LEVEL 3

CURRENT SITUATION:

Initial attack activity was heavy nationally with 342 new fires reported. Fifteen new large fires (*) were reported, three each in the Northern California and Southwest Areas, and Eastern Great Basin Areas, two each in the Northern Rockies and Southern California Areas, and one each in the Western Great Basin and Rocky Mountain Areas. Three large fires were contained in the Northern Rockies, Northern California and Southern Areas. Very high to extreme fire indices were reported in Arizona, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Idaho, and Wyoming.

NORTHERN ROCKIES AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

MAJERUS, Southern Land Office, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. This fire is 10 miles south of Roundup, MT in timber and grass. Evacuations are in progress and Highway 87 near Roundup is closed. Very active fire behavior with rapid rates of spread were reported.

BLACK PULASKI COMPLEX, Miles City Field Office, Bureau of Land Management. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Heintz) is assigned. This complex, consisting of the Black Pulaski, Lodgepole, Hill Coulee, Lost Creek, Square Butte and Chalk fires, is 25 miles north of Jordan, MT in ponderosa pine, grass, juniper, and sagebrush. Several residences are threatened. Weather, steep terrain, and dry fuels continue to hindering containment efforts. Extreme fire behavior with significant runs, crowning, and torching was observed.

SODA CREEK, Lewistown Field Office, Bureau of Land Management. This fire is 40 miles northeast of Grass Range, MT in grass and timber. The Crooked Creek resort area is threatened. Moderate fire behavior with running and torching was observed.

FLAT TIRE COMPLEX, Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Turman) will assume command today. This fire is 100 miles southwest of Glassgow, MT in pinyon pine, juniper, wheat, and sage. Structures and crops are threatened. Active fire behavior including running, torching, and spotting was reported.

WATT DRAW, Miles City Field Office, Bureau of Land Management. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Reid) is assigned. The Team is also managing the Sage fire. This fire is 13 miles southeast of Ashland, MT in grass, timber and sagebrush. Residences and outbuildings remain threatened. Limited road access is hampering containment efforts. Extreme fire behavior with short crown runs, rapid rates of spread and spotting was reported.

SAGE, Northern Cheyenne Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs. This fire is two miles northwest of Ashland, MT in timber, grass and understory. Minimal fire behavior was reported.

BUNDY RAILROAD, Billings District, Bureau of Land Management. A Type 1 Incident Management Team (Stanich) has been ordered.   This fire is eight miles northeast of Worden, MT in timber, grass and sagebrush. Several structures and powerlines remain threatened. Low humidity and drought conditions continue to hamper containment efforts. Fire activity was limited to interior islands.

PINE RIDGE COMPLEX, Southern Land Office, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. A Type 1 Incident Management Team (Bennett) is assigned. This complex is 30 miles east of Billings, MT in sagebrush and agricultural fields. Scattered ranches, residences, croplands and livestock remain threatened. Minimal fire behavior with smoldering was observed.

HORTON-HAY, Eastern Land Office, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Grant) is assigned. This fire started on private land 35 miles southwest of Miles City, MT in ponderosa pine, grass and sagebrush. Several homes, outbuildings, livestock, utility infrastructure and timber remain threatened. Rough terrain is hampering containment efforts. Active fire behavior and isolated torching was reported.

BIRTHDAY 2, Crow Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs. This fire is ten miles south of St. Xavier, MT in timber. Numerous residences, commercial properties and other buildings remain threatened. Increased activity in the interior was observed.

BUTTE CREEK, Northern Cheyenne Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs. This fire is eight miles north of Busby, MT in grass and dead and down timber. Limited access and steep terrain are hindering containment efforts. No further information was received.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

TWENTY MILE, Casper Field Office, Bureau of Land Management. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Blume) is assigned. This fire is 20 miles northeast of Douglas, WY in grass, sage, juniper, and ponderosa pine. Commercial property including a radio tower, pumping station, and natural gas well are threatened. Extreme fire behavior with spotting, running, and torching was observed.

BUFFALO CREEK COMPLEX, Wyoming State Forestry. This fire started on county land three miles north of Leiter, WY in grass and sage. No further information was reported.

VALENTINE, Nebraska Department of Forestry (GPC Area). within the city limits of Valentine, NE in timber. Utility infrastructure, and a communications tower remain threatened.   Evacuations have been ordered for the north end of Valentine. Torching and crowning were reported.

THORN DIVIDE COMPLEX, Crook County. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Lowe) is assigned. This fire is five miles south of Devils Tower National Monument, WY in timber and grass. Several residences, powerlines, timber, grazing land, and the National Monument remain threatened.   Minimal fire behavior was reported.

LITTLE VENUS, Shoshone National Forest.   This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is burning 30 miles west of Meeteetse, WY in timber. Two buildings remain threatened. Increased acreage is due to both fire growth and better mapping. Running, crowning, torching, and spotting were reported.

FT. PIERRE COMPLEX, South Dakota Wildland Fire Suppression Area (GPC Area). This fire is 10 miles east of Ft. Pierre, SD in grass and brush. Several residences and other buildings are threatened. Extreme fire behavior was reported. No further information was received.

BLAIR, South Dakota Wildland Fire Suppression Area (GPC Area). This fire is 15 miles east of Howes, SD in short grass. Two residences are threatened. Moderate fire behavior with rapid spread was observed.

EASTERN GREAT BASIN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

DOG VALLEY, Fish Lake National Forest. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Lund) will assume command today. This fire is three miles east of Cove Fort, UT in grass, sage, pinyon pine, juniper, and oak. Two residences and a historical site are threatened. Structure protection is in place for Cove Fort community.   Interstate 15 is closed. Extreme fire behavior with crowning, running, torching and spotting was observed.

OAK CITY CANYON, South Central Area, Utah State Division of Forestry Fire & State Lands. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Thomas) is assigned. This fire is two miles southeast of Oak City, UT in pinyon pine, juniper, grass, sage, and oak brush. Numerous residences and a campground are threatened. Weather and steep terrain are impeding containment. Very active fire behavior with running, torching, and spotting was reported.

RANCH, Southwest Area, Utah State Division of Forestry Fire & State Lands. This fire is nine miles northeast of Leeds, UT in cheatgrass, brush, and pinyon juniper. Several residences, powerlines, and a cell tower are threatened. Moderate fire behavior was observed with running and torching in steep terrain.

SPRINGS, Moab District, Bureau of Land Management. This fire is seven miles north of Woodside, UT in timber. Steep, rough terrain is limiting containment efforts. Minimal fire behavior with torching, creeping, and spotting was observed.

LICK CREEK, Payette National Forest. A Fire Use Management Team (Hahnenberg) has been ordered. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is burning 25 miles northwest of McCall, ID in timber.   Active fire behavior with single tree and group torching was observed. Increase in acreage is due to more accurate mapping.

DUNCE, Payette National Forest. A Fire Use Management Team (Hahnenberg) has been ordered. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is burning 31 miles east of Edwardsburg, ID in cheatgrass. A structure protection plan is in place for Taylor Ranch. Creeping and backing fire were observed.

WESTERN GREAT BASIN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

JACKASS, Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest. A Type 1 Incident Management Team (Broyles) has been ordered. This fire is 80 miles southeast of Reno, NV and eight miles northeast of Walker, CA in hardwood litter and pinyon juniper. Weather and heavy fuel are hampering containment. Several residences and buildings, powerlines, and Highway 338 and are threatened. Evacuation of Desert Creek Campground is in effect. Extreme fire behavior was reported.

TROY PEAK, Ely District, Bureau of Land Management. This fire is eight miles north of Adaven, NV in pinyon, alpine fir, and slash. Steep rocky terrain, and heavy fuel loading is hampering containment efforts. Moderate fire behavior with torching was reported.

BALLY, Ely District, Bureau of Land Management. This fire is seven miles northeast of Barley, NV in brush, slash, pinyon pine and juniper. No further information was received.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

HEART, San Bernardino National Forest. A Type 1 Incident Command Team (Molumby) is assigned. This fire is eight miles southwest of Big Bear Lake, CA in timber and brush. Wildlife habitat and cultural resources are threatened. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity limited fire activity to creeping and smoldering.

MILLARD COMPLEX, San Bernardino National Forest. A Unified Command between a Type 2 Incident Management Team (Walker), the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF), the Forest Service, and the Riverside County Fire Department is in place. This complex, comprised of the State, Jump Off, For Sure and Millard fires, is seven miles north of Cabazon, CA in chaparral and conifer. Residences, a repeater site, and hunting lodge remain threatened. Minimal fire behavior was observed. Increase in acreage is largely due to continuing burn out operations.

SAWTOOTH COMPLEX, San Bernardino Unit, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF). A Unified Command has been established between a CDF Type 1 Incident Command Team (Henson) and the Forest Service. This complex is two miles east of Yucca Valley, CA, in chaparral and has merged with the Millard Complex. Numerous residences and a portion of Highway 38 remain threatened. An evacuation order for the Rim Rock area remains effect for the general public, landowners will be allowed to enter. An increase in relative humidity continues to moderate fire activity.

MAGGIE, Sequoia National Forest. This fire is eight miles north of Camp Nelson, CVA in red fir. Smoldering fire was reported. The fire is in monitor status.

TAMARACK, Sequoia National Forest. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is burning 14 miles northeast of Camp Nelson, CA in brush and conifer needle cast. Slow rate of spread was reported. This will be the last narrative report unless significant activity occurs.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

CANYON, Santa Clara Unit, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF). A CDF Type 1 Incident Command Team (Paul) is assigned. This fire is 11 miles west of Patterson, CA in chaparral. Several residences, ranches, rangelands, watersheds and Henry Coe State Park remain threatened. Difficult access, and steep terrain and windy conditions continue to hinder containment. The fire continues to burn actively within the perimeter, with a high potential for further ignition, torching and spotting. Burn out operations continue.

GREASE, Plumas National Forest. A Type 2 Team (Sinclear) is assigned. This fire is 12 miles north of Beckwourth, CA in brush and timber. Evacuation of Conklin Park Campground remains in effect. Interior burning and minimal spotting were reported.

GEYSERS, Mendocino Unit, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF). This three miles north of Cloverdale, CA in grass and woodland. Moderate rates of spread, spotting and slope driver runs were reported.

CARIBOU, Klamath National Forest. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is burning 10 miles southeast of Cecilville, CA in logging slash. Group torching and short range spotting were reported. This will be the last narrative report unless significant activity occurs.

EASTERN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

CAVITY LAKE, Superior National Forest. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Stegmier) is assigned. This fire is 44 miles northeast of Ely, MN in heavy logging slash. Residences and commercial structures are threatened. Extreme fire behavior caused by heavy fuel loads was reported.

TURTLE LAKE, Superior National Forest. A Fire Use Management Team (Svalberg) is assigned. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is burning 15 miles east of Ely, MN in heavy logging slash. Active fire behavior with surface spread, short range spotting, and scattered group torching was observed.

SOUTHWEST AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

SOWATS, Kaibab National Forest. This fire is 19 miles southwest of Jacobs Lake, AZ in ponderosa pine and pinyon juniper. Cultural resources are threatened. Moderate fire behavior with short runs and isolated torching was reported.

RIM, Truxton Canon Agency. This fire is 15 miles outh of the Grand Canyon Resort, on the Hualapai Reservation in sagebrush, grass, pinyon juniper, and cactus. Rough terrain and weather are hindering containment efforts. Very active fire behavior with torching and spotting was reported.

THUMB, Truxton Canon Agency. This fire is 24 miles northwest of the Grand Canyon in pinyon juniper and grass. Low fuel miosutre and weather are hampering containment efforts. Active fire behavior with torching and spotting was observed.

WEST, El Malpais National Monument, National Park Service. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is burning 23 miles south of Grants, NM in timber, grass, and understory. Active fire behavior with some surface spread and torching was reported

NORTHWEST AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

TIN PAN, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. A Fire Use Management Team (Furlong) is assigned. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is burning seven miles west of Lucerne, WA in timber. Single and group tree torching was reported.

SOUTHERN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

SPIKE BOX RANCH COMPLEX, Texas Forest Service. This fire is 15 miles northwest of Guthries, TX in juniper and brush. Minimal fire behavior with smoldering and creeping was observed.

LEWIS CANYON, Texas Forest Service. This fire is 15 miles southwest of Abilene, TX in juniper, oak and mesquite. Minimal fire behavior was reported.

OUTLOOK:

Red Flag Warnings: For eastern Montana due to a dry cool front passage with wind shift, hot and dry conditions, and for the possibility of isolated dry thunderstorms that may create dangerous fire growth conditions. For portions of the central Snake River Plain for strong west winds and low relative humidity.

Fire Weather Watch: For southern and northeast Wyoming into South Dakota due to winds, dry fuels, dry relative humidity, hot temperatures, and isolated dry lightning. For western North Dakota due to a dry cool front passage with wind shift, hot and dry conditions, and for the possibility of isolated dry thunderstorms that may create dangerous fire growth conditions. For northwest and west central Utah for dry lightning.

Weather Discussion: A strong high pressure ridge continues over the west. However, a cold front will be moving across Montana and into the Dakotas for gusty winds over the Northern Rockies, Wyoming and the Dakotas. Monsoon moisture will be spreading northward into central California and the Great Basin for increasing thunderstorm activity. High pressure will prevail over the western Great Lakes. For western North Dakota due to dry cool front passage with wind shift, hot and dry conditions and possibility of isolated dry thunderstorms may create dangerous fire growth conditions.

Full NICC Report:
http://www.nifc.gov/nicc/sitreprt.rtf

The Millard Complex is burning in rugged terrain in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. It is currently estimated at 24,210 acres and is 49% contained. There is no expected date of containment at this time.

The Millard Complex merged with the Sawtooth Complex in the Mission Creek drainage late Friday afternoon. A Type 1 Incident Management Team is now managing the north portion of the fire as the Heart Incident to protect Big Bear and surrounding areas. An incident command post for the Heart Incident has been established near the Bear Mountain Ski Resort in Big Bear.

Basic Information
Updated 2006-07-18 09:50:11 EST
Incident Type Wildland Fire

Benefits & Objectives
Management Objectives: 1. Provide for firefighter and public safety. 2. Utilize minimum impact suppression tactics in wilderness areas. 3. Avoid and report archaeological sites. 4. Develop and maintain a cost containment strategy for the incident. Control Objectives: 1. Keep fire north of the San Gorgonio Wilderness and Reservation Boundary. 2. Keep fire south and west of the Pacific Crest Trail. 3. Keep fire east of Mill Creek jump off.

Cause Lightning

Date of Origin 07/09/2006 at 0833 hrs.
Location 7 Miles north of Cabazon
In San Gorgonio WIlderness, north of I-10 and west of Highway 62
Incident Commander Norm Walker

Current Situation
Size 24,210 acres
Percent Contained 50%

Total Personnel 901
Fuels Involved The fires are burning within old decadent stands of intermixed timber, Douglas fir, sugar and jeffrey pine above the 6000' elevation. There is high mortality in the fuels due to drought and bark beetle infestations. Lower elevation fuels are chapparal and grass.

Fire Behavior The fire will continue to be dominated by topography and wind and is expected to progress primarily toward the northwest.

Today's Significant Events Unified Command established between U.S.D.A. Forest Service, California Department of Forestry and Riverside County Fire at 1600 hrs on 07-12-06. Constant communication between Incident Management Teams on Millard Complex, Sawtooth Complex, and Heart Fire. Mission Creek serves as the administrative boundary between the two complexes, although the fires have merged together. As the fire progresses toward the northwest, it is being managed as the Heart Incident by a type 1 management team which is now established in the Big Bear area.

Outlook

Planned Actions Structure protection remains in place in Whitewater Canyon. Contingency lines are being put in place with bulldozers on tribal lands south of the fire to protect tribal interests in and around Cabazon. Firefighters are being flown into remote areas as extremely rugged topography continues to constrain access to the fire.
Projected Movement Moisture in easterly flow aloft will bring shower and thunderstorms at times this week..mainly in mountain and deserts...thunderstorms could bring locally heavy rainfall and isolated flash flooding possible...especially near recently burned areas.

Growth Potential Low to moderate rates of spread towards the northwest

Terrain Difficulty The San Gorgonio Wilderness is characterized by inaccessible, steep and rugged terrain. Air operations continue to play a significant role in suppression efforts with 24 helicopters and 6 fixed wing aircraft assigned.

Containment Target
Remarks No immediate threats to any communities at this time. Threats are to watersheds, wilderness, and tribal interests. Whitewater Road, Mission Creek Road, and San Gorgonio Wilderness remain closed to public use. The fireline on the southeast side of the fire held well over night. Overall, the fire had minor movement overnight.
Weather
Current Wind Conditions 7 mph S
Current Temperature 78 degrees
Current Humidity 42 %
Forecasted Wind Conditions 5-25 mph N
Forecasted Temperature 56-68 degrees
Forecasted Humidity 48-62% %

http://inciweb.org/incident/276/

Jim Creek Wildland Use Fire

Summary

This lightning fire is in the Bridger Wilderness burning in an area approved for allowing such fires to play their natural role.
Basic Information
Updated 2006-07-18 09:35:20 EST
Incident Type Wildland Fire Used To Benefit Resources
Benefits & Objectives
To provide for public safety and to allow the fire to burn where it won’t threaten private property, facilities, or other developments. The fire is burning in mixed conifer stands, creating a "mosaic" of burned and unburned areas and reducing the "fuel" available for future fires.
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin 06/26/2006 at 1430 hrs.
Location 24 miles north of Pinedale, Wyo.

Incident Commander George Weldon
Current Situation
Size 540 acres
Percent Contained
Estimated Containment Date
Total Personnel 14

Fuels Involved The fire is burning in older stands of spruce, Douglas fir, lodgepole pine and subalpine fir, with whitebark pine in upper elevations. There are scattered dead trees throughout. Meadows are green and don't appear to be carrying fire yet. To the west are uneven-aged aspen stands, sagebrush and grasslands and stands of lodgepole pine.

Fire Behavior On Monday there was creeping ground fire with isolated single tree or group tree torching.
Today's Significant Events The Jim Creek drainage is closed starting at the Forest Road 710. A fire-management team has assumed control of the fire and is developing a long-term management plan. The plan will include contingencies and steps to take to keep the fire where it's wanted.

Outlook

Planned Actions Monitor the fire's growth and how it's burning in different weather conditions and topography.

Projected Movement We expect the fire to move north, west, and south. It's expected to continue creeping, smoldering, and flaring up in the drier times of the day when single trees or groups of trees torch. Late Monday afternoon we saw this as the fire put up towering smoke clouds from time to time. The fire is expected to "spot" one-quarter mile ahead of itself. The fire's movement will be dictated by where the "fuel" is and by wind. The fire is moving west down the Jim Creek drainage and also up the side drainages of Jim Creek, around the west and south facing slopes of Salt Lick Mountain and the north side of Kendell Mountain.
Growth Potential High
Terrain Difficulty Medium

Weather
Current Wind Conditions 3-6 mph W
Current Temperature 80 degrees
Current Humidity 19 %
Forecasted Wind Conditions 10-15 mph SW
Forecasted Temperature 80-87 degrees
Forecasted Humidity 15-20 %

http://inciweb.org/incident/299/

A wildfire burning south of Roundup Monday prompted warnings to nearby homeowners and crept dangerously close to coal piles near the Bull Mountain mine.

The Majerus Road fire ignited about 12:20 p.m. to the west of Highway 87 North, about 16 miles south of Roundup. Within a few hours, the flames had jumped the highway and fanned steadily to the east and the north, encroaching on numerous structures, said fire information officer Paula Rosenthal. Hot Shot crew called
Resources from fires to the east were summoned for initial attack -- including a 20-person Hot Shot crew, several helicopters and two four-engine slurry bombers -- but the fire rolled on.

"I think that is really a testament to how rapidly (fires) spread and how difficult they are to suppress," Rosenthal said. She estimated the fire had grown to 250 acres by 9:45 p.m.
Highway 87 was closed between mile markers 29 and 42.

Homes on Holly Lane, Dillman Road and Cody Road were believed to be in danger, and Musselshell County Sheriff's deputies went door to door with warnings, Sheriff Woody Weitzeil said.

Travelers turned back
Dozens of travelers were turned away from the approach to Roundup at a roadblock Wednesday afternoon. Among them were Dustin Baker, of Billings, whose grandmother called him and asked that he help her and his grandfather evacuate their home.

"I want people to know we couldn't get through," Baker said. "I'm sure it's dangerous, but we all understand the risks, and when it comes to family you've got to take the risks."

Some were allowed through the roadblock to attend to family members, though they were warned not to drive over flames and to return to the south as quickly as possible.

To the east of the roadblock, at the Bull Mountain mine off Old Divide Road, encroaching flames caused miner Paul Schinker and several other employees to retreat a half-mile in an hour's time. He and fellow employees manned fire lines and tried to blot out spot burns.

"We're all just trying to protect our livelihoods," he said.

By 7 p.m., flames were abutting a triple firebreak crews dug in with a grader. In some places, the flames came within 20 feet or so of 10-foot-high piles of coal on a storage lot, but the firebreak held.

No structures had been lost, and no injuries were reported.

A shelter for evacuees has been set up at the Community Center in Roundup, 700 Third St. W. The phone number is 323-2777. There are also provisions for evacuated animals at the county fairgrounds. People bringing animals to the fairgrounds are asked to call the shelter.

Meanwhile, nourished by temperatures in the mid- to high 90s, fire continued to eat its way across Eastern Montana prairies on Monday. Here's a look at fires in the region:

* The largest, the Pine Ridge complex had devoured 100,339 acres, and fire managers estimated that it was 60 percent contained.

"All of our fire lines held yesterday for the fires, and our containment is up," said Dixie Dies, a Forest Service fire information officer.

Air tankers have dropped about 90,000 gallons of retardant on the fires, while helicopters have unloaded about 70,000 gallons of water.

Parts of Interstate 94 that were closed near Waco Sunday were open Monday. Fire officials warned of possible delays and temporary closures on I-94 as firefighting continues near the highway.

- Across the Yellowstone River, the Bundy Railroad fire near Pompeys Pillar remained at 80,000 acres and was considered 30 percent contained.

The situation had improved enough that a call for a Type 1 incident command team has been canceled, said Bob Summerfield, a fire information officer, on Monday afternoon. The Type 2 team already managing the fire will remain on site.

Type 1 teams are considered the most elite commands and include more specialists. They are called in to fight the most complex and dangerous fires.

Summerfield said firefighters estimate they will have the fire fully contained by Friday at 7 p.m.

A total of 390 personnel are fighting the fire, along with 29 engines, 10 Type 1 Hot Shot crews, two Type 2 hand crews, two dozers, three graders, four helicopters and seven water tenders.

- A Type 1 incident management team has been ordered to take control of fires burning in Garfield County. A Type 2 team arrived in Jordan Monday to coordinate efforts, but the Type 1 team was expected to take over this evening.

The fires were all caused by lightning that struck Garfield County on July 15. Fighting the fires are a single-engine air tanker, two helicopters and two air attack platforms. More aerial resources have been ordered.

A red flag warning was to go into effect today in Garfield County. Temperatures are predicted in the 90 degree range with low relative humidity around 13 to 19 percent. More lightning storms are predicted.

The Black Pulaski fire is burning 25 miles north of Jordan in Garfield County on the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge and on Bureau of Land Management and private land.

The fire was reported at 12,000 to 15,000 acres, but the blaze has not been accurately mapped. The fire was not contained. Steep, rugged terrain is hampering firefighting efforts.

Strong winds and low humidity caused significant runs on the blaze Monday.

Fighting the blaze are two CMR engines, one engine from Medicine Lake and one BLM engine, as well as many private landowners. A Type 2 helicopter conducted bucket drops on the fire Monday, and an air attack platform was on scene.

The Lodgepole fire, 23 miles northwest of Sand Springs, was reported at more than 2,000 acres Monday evening.

It is burning on BLM and private land in grass and lodgepole and ponderosa pine. On scene are two BLM engines, a local dozer and local landowners.

No structures are threatened, but the blaze was actively moving north Monday afternoon.

The Hill Coulee fire near Jordan had burned about 4,000 to 5,000 acres Monday afternoon. The fire is 27 miles northwest of Jordan, near East Hill Coulee, on CMR, BLM and private land.

Fighting the fire are nine smokejumpers, along with local landowners. A Type 2 helicopter conducted water drops Monday.

About 30 miles north of Sand Springs, the Lost Creek fire has burned 11,028 acres of CMR, BLM and private land.

Four homes are threatened by the fire, which is burning in grass, sage and timber. Fire crews reported erratic fire behavior on Monday, with the blaze moving in two directions.

The Garfield County Volunteer Fire Department is on scene with three engines. Also fighting the fire are two BLM engines and five additional engines. The fire was spotted by air about 10 a.m. Sunday; it was 3 acres at the time.

The Chalk fire has burned about 4,500 acres eight miles southwest of the Hill Coulee fire, about 35 miles northwest of Jordan. The fire had previously reported at the 7 Blackfoot fire. No further details were available Monday.

The Square Butte fire has charred 20 acres of BLM land 20 miles north of Sand Springs. Two engines are on scene, and local residents have built a line around this fire.

- Fires near Ashland showed no sign of letting up Monday, and a Type 2 incident command team was requested and was expected to be on the scene by today, said Marilyn Krause, fire information officer.

The Watt Draw fire about 13 miles southeast of Ashland was the largest in the complex. Krause estimated that it at 13,971 acres. Containment was estimated at 35 percent.

The Sage fire burning near Ashland was still smoldering in sawdust piles at an abandoned sawmill.

The fire was estimated at 1,069 acres and was 90 percent contained Monday.

The King Mountain fire burning on Custer National Forest and private land just south of Ashland, has burned about 234 acres and was 90 percent contained.

- A Type 2 incident management team has been ordered to take over work on the Soda Creek fire, 40 miles northeast of Grass Range, has burned 11,520 acres.

The Crooked Creek resort area is threatened, and limited access is impeding containment efforts.

- Firefighters were continuing mop-up Monday on the Butte Creek fire eight miles north of Busby. The fire is 200 acres and is 60 percent contained.

- In Rosebud County, the Horton-Hay Creek fire had burned 22,350 acres about seven miles south of Hathaway, said fire information officer Terina Mullen. Two fires that had been part of the Horton-Hay Creek complex -- the Spring Creek and Iron Jaw fires -- have been contained at 530 and 120 acres, respectively.

The complex is 80 percent contained, with full containment expected by 8 tonight, Mullen said. She said firefighters will continue securing the line around the fire today.

"Things are looking pretty good," Mullen said.

There were two vehicle accidents on the fire site Monday, both involving firefighters, one involving an engine and the other a pickup truck. No one was injured in either accident, Mullen said, and the accidents are under investigation by a fire safety officer. No further information was available Monday.

- The Birthday 2 fire 10 miles south of St. Xavier was 60 percent contained at 6,194 acres.

http://www.montanaforum.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=5719

(AP) Firefighters battling a wildfire cluster east of Los Angeles were carefully watching thunderstorms that could either bring helpful rain or dangerous lightning and flooding.

The 84,000-acre group of blazes _ about 131 square miles _ has destroyed nearly 60 homes in nine days and was threatening mountain hamlets.

Storms could bring welcome rain, but also mudslides, wind that could push the fire in unpredictable directions and lightning that could spark more blazes.

"We'll take the rain. We'll take the humidity," said Robert Brady of the U.S. Forest Service. "We'll just have to wait and see what happens on the winds."

The National Weather Service planned to issue a flash flood watch on Tuesday and might continue it through the week, said Mike Lavis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego. Light rain fell in some areas Monday, and there was a 70 percent chance of rain Tuesday.

The largest fire in the cluster, about 61,700 acres, ignited by lightning July 9, was 85 percent contained, and crews hoped to fully extinguish it by Tuesday evening. That fire destroyed 58 houses and mobile homes, dozens of outbuildings and scores of vehicles in the 96-square-mile area. One death is believed to be related to the fire.

Fire officials estimated damage at nearly $12 million and firefighting costs at $21.5 million.

The edge of an 800-acre fire was only a few miles from the tiny town of Rainbow and just eight miles from Big Bear, a community of thousands. But no evacuations were called, and firefighters were making progress on corralling the blaze, officials said.

"The greatest thing that we got is cloud cover," said Rich Phelps, a U.S. Forest Service spokesman at the Heart command center.

Another 24,210-acre fire, about 38 square miles, was 49 percent contained. Full containment probably was three to five days away, said Tom Wadley of the U.S. Forest Service.

Elsewhere, officials in south-central Montana were optimistic that crews were gaining the upper hand in fighting three blazes estimated at 121,500 acres, or about 190 square miles. The blazes were 60 percent contained, said Dixie Dies, a Forest Service fire information officer.

A wildfire in the northern Minnesota wilderness had exploded to more than 23 square miles in three days, feeding on millions of trees blown down by a storm in 1999.

All those dead trees made it too dangerous to send ground crews in, said Marty Christensen, a U.S. Forest Service official.

"Because the fuel we have is so intense, it's beyond control with hand crews, mechanized crews or aircraft," Christensen said. "So really, the fire is doing what it wants to do."

In west-central Utah, Interstate 15 was reopened about midnight after being closed several hours because of a brush fire that also prompted evacuations in and near the town of Cove Fort. The fire had blackened more than 12 square miles, authorities reported.

Wyoming firefighters worked to contain a group of fires that had burned more than 14,900 acres southwest of Devils Tower National Monument, and plans were being made to begin reassigning some firefighters and equipment to other fires in the region.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/18/ap/national/mainD8IUE6M00.shtml

Minnesota

Firefighters on Tuesday received additional equipment in their battle against a raging wildfire in the popular Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

Firetrucks and two helicopters equipped to light "control" fires were among the new weapons employed in the fight. Officials were trying to keep the blaze away from inhabited areas along the Gunflint Trail, though - thanks to relatively calm winds - the fire grew little the previous night.

Fanned by dry winds and feasting on dead timber, the wildfire grew to more than 23 square miles in the first three days after it was noticed Friday on Seagull Lake. The fire on Tuesday came within 3 miles of hundreds of people living or staying along the trail, though the blaze bumped up against a buffer zone of burns done in 2003 by the U.S. Forest Service.

"There are a lot of people getting edgy over this, but so far the fire is doing what they wanted it to do within the parameters they have in their plan," said Carson Berglund, a spokesman for the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center.

The fire on Cavity Lake near the end of the Gunflint Trail is the largest in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area since 1999, when a fierce July 4 storm blew down millions of trees over 600 square miles of the lake-dotted wilderness.

From the air Tuesday morning, The Associated Press watched as the pattern of the fire seemed to constantly change.

A thick blanket of white smoke clung to trees for miles while smoke, looking like cloud coverage, spread across an area about 70 miles wide. Two plumes of thicker and darker smoke billowed above the rest -- a sign the fire was burning intently. In some areas, the smoke was too thick to see the trees and lakes below.

But the fire also appeared to move west against the wind. On the western edge of the blaze, bright orange flames licked the tree tops, with new trees igniting in flames as the Cessna 182, traveling at 4,300 feet, passed over.

The town of Grand Marais south of the trail was, smelling like a bonfire, was covered with a thick haze.

While ground crews hadn't yet been sent in to fight the blaze, water-scooping planes continued to douse the flames.

The BWCA, which covers one million acres along Minnesota's border with Canada, in what is known as the arrowhead region, contains hundreds of lakes and rivers and is a popular destination for campers and anglers.

Superior National Forest announced restrictions on campfires in the blowdown area. After midnight Tuesday, officials said campfires and wood- or charcoal-burning stoves will not be allowed in the restricted area, though gas or propane cook stoves will still be allowed.

The U.S. Forest Service, which manages the BWCA, has closed several portages and three entry points, along with Round Lake, Red Rock Lake and Seagull Lake.

By Amy Forliti, Associated Press Writer

http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=129666

Montana (9) rate Highway 87 reopens as fires continue burning By The Gazette Staff Highway 87 North reopened between Billings and Roundup at noon today for the first time since it closed Monday afternoon as wildfire burned on both sides of the road. Wildfire burning south of Roundup prompted warnings to homeowners and crept dangerously close to coal piles near the Bull Mountain mine Monday. Sixteen miles south of Roundup, the Majerus Road fire ignited about 12:20 p.m. to the west of the highway. Within a few hours, the flames had jumped the highway and fanned steadily to the east and the north, encroaching on many residential structures, said fire-information officer Paula Rosenthal. Hot-shot crew called * Resources from fires to the east were summoned for initial attack � including a 20-person hot-shot crew, several helicopters and two four-engine slurry bombers � but the fire rolled on. “I think that is really a testament to how rapidly (fires) spread and how difficult they are to suppress,” Rosenthal said. Tuesday morning the fire was estimated at between 700 and 1,000 acres in grass and timber. No structures have been lost so far, fire spokesman Marianne Baumberger said this morning. Firefighters worked through the night building an indirect line around fire, she said. An indirect line means the fire break was constructed back from the most intense fire activity. Baumberger said that the plan today may include burning fuels from the line back into the fire. Homes on Holly Lane, Dillman Road and Cody Road were potentially in danger, and Musselshell County Sheriff’s deputies went door to door with warnings, Sheriff Woody Weitzeil said. “(The fire’s) been real close to two or three structures, but we’ve done some very good work today,” Gates said late Monday. Travelers turned back Dozens of travelers were turned away from the southern approach to Roundup at a roadblock Monday afternoon. Among them was Dustin Baker, of Billings, whose grandmother called with news of the fire and asked that he help evacuate her and his grandfather from their home. “I want people to know we couldn’t get through,” Baker said. “I’m sure it’s dangerous, but we all understand the risks, and when it comes to family, you’ve got to take the risks.” Others were allowed through the roadblock to attend to family members, though they were warned not to drive over flames and to return to the south as quickly as possible. Nick Stevens, of Matthew Road, was in Joliet when a friend called to tell him about the fire. He wanted to retrieve his three dogs from his home, but was turned away from the road block. To the east of the roadblock, at the Bull Mountain mine off Old Divide Road, encroaching flames caused miner Paul Schinker and several of his colleagues to retreat a half-mile in an hour’s time. He and fellow employees manned fire lines and tried to blot out spot fires. “We’re all just trying to protect our livelihoods,” he said. By 7 p.m., flames were abutting a firebreak dug in with a grader. In some places, the flames came within 20 feet or so of 10-foot-high piles of coal on a storage lot, but the fire break held. Todd Fallang, a surface foreman at the mine, supervised a nine-person crew using heavy equipment to build defenses against the blaze. He began working the fire at 1 p.m., when it was on the west side of the highway and watched as the flames crossed four firebreaks they had built with a grader. Firefighters from the state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation were lending support Monday afternoon. Suppression efforts also included crews from the Bureau of Land Management, Musselshell County and Bull Mountain. A shelter for evacuees has been set up at the Community Center in Roundup, 700 Third St. W. The phone number is 323-2777. There are also provisions for evacuated animals at the county fairgrounds. People bringing animals to the fairgrounds are asked to call the shelter. No one had reported to the shelter as of late Monday., said Jessica Ayers, deputy DES coordinator. A cause had not been established, but lightning strikes were spotted in the area on Saturday, Rosenthal said. Lightning also struck in the Billings area Monday night, just before a small fire ignited on the Sindelar Ranch in an area north of the city that burned last week. The Billings Fire Department was working to extinguish the flames as of midnight, and no details were available. Meanwhile, nourished by temperatures in the mid- to high 90s, fire continued to eat its way across Eastern Montana prairies on Monday. Here’s a look at fires in the region: • Fires with the highest potential for bad behavior today are in the Black Palaski Complex in Garfield County. The complex of six fires is spread across 150 miles, fire information officer Pat McKelvey said Tuesday morning. The team is also managing the Soda Creek Fire in Petroleum County, which is threatening the Crooked Creek Marina on the south end of Fort Peck Lake. That fire ballooned to 23,000 acres overnight. The Soda Butte fire, along with the Lost Creek fire in the Black Palaksi Complex, poses a threat to ranch homes and other structures. Sheriff’s officers made a new round of visits to residents in the Lost Creek Area this morning advising them that it might be a good time to leave. McKelvey said he had not heard of any evacuation orders yet. Firefighters will be concentrating on structure protection today, he said. A Type 1 incident management team will begin taking control from the Type 2 team now managing the fires at noon. Type 1 teams are considered the most elite commands and include more specialists. They are called in to fight the most complex and dangerous fires. McKelvey said firefighting efforts are more difficult because the fires are spread over such a large swath of territory, most of it far from supply lines. A base camp is being set up at Brussett today. Equipment ordered for the fire, including two heavy tanker helicopters, had not arrived by Tuesday morning, he added. The fires were all caused by lightning that struck Garfield County on July 15. Another storm blew through the area Monday night with lightning and a brief period of heavy rain. “These kinds of rains don’t do us any good at all,” he said. The lightning may have multiplied the fire team’s struggles. Local firefighters quickly caught two new starts after the storm passed. “What we don’t know is how many more are still out there,” McKelvey said. Fighting the fires are a single-engine air tanker, two helicopters and two air attack platforms. A red-flag warning was to go into effect Tuesday in Garfield County. Temperatures are predicted in the 90 degree range with low relative humidity around 13 to 19 percent. More lightning storms are predicted. Other fires in the complex are still a threat. The Black Pulaski fire, burning 25 miles north of Jordan in Garfield County on the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge and on Bureau of Land Management and private land, is the largest. The fire grew from 12,000 to 15,000 acres Monday evening to more than 31,000 acres, but the blaze has not yet been accurately mapped. McKelvey said firefighters were feeling more confident Tuesday morning. Fighting the blaze are two CMR engines, one engine from Medicine Lake and one BLM engine, as well as many private landowners. A Type 2 helicopter conducted bucket drops on the fire Monday, and an air attack platform was on scene. The Lodgepole fire, 23 miles northwest of Sand Springs, was reported at more than 2,000 acres Monday evening, but covered more than 31,000 acres this morning. It is burning on BLM and private land in grass and lodgepole and ponderosa pine. On scene are two BLM engines, a local dozer and local landowners. No structures are threatened. The Hill Coulee fire near Jordan had burned about 4,000 to 5,000 acres Monday. The fire is 27 miles northwest of Jordan, near East Hill Coulee, on CMR, BLM and private land. Fighting the fire are nine smokejumpers, along with local landowners. A Type 2 helicopter conducted water drops Monday. About 30 miles north of Sand Springs, the Lost Creek fire had burned 11,028 acres of CMR, BLM and private land. Four homes are threatened by the fire, which is burning in grass, sage and timber. Fire crews reported erratic fire behavior on Monday, with the blaze moving in two directions. The Garfield County Volunteer Fire Department is on scene with three engines. Also fighting the fire are two BLM engines and five additional engines. The fire was spotted by air about 10 a.m. Sunday. The Chalk fire has burned about 4,500 acres eight miles southwest of the Hill Coulee fire, about 35 miles northwest of Jordan. The fire was previously been reported as the 7 Blackfoot fire. No further details were available. The Square Butte fire had charred 20 acres of BLM land 20 miles north of Sand Springs. Two engines are on scene, and local residents have built a line around this fire. • The largest of Eastern Montana’s wildfires, the Pine Ridge complex had devoured 121,210 acres, and fire managers estimated that it was 90 percent contained. Full containment is expected today. Air tankers have dropped about 90,000 gallons of retardant on the fires, while helicopters have unloaded about 70,000 gallons of water. Parts of Interstate 94 that were closed near Waco Sunday were open Monday. Fire officials warned of possible delays and temporary closures on I-94 as firefighting continues near the highway. • Across the Yellowstone River, the Bundy Railroad fire near Pompeys Pillar remained at 80,000 acres and was considered 75 percent contained. The situation had improved enough that a call for a Type 1 incident command team was canceled, fire information officer Bob Summerfield said Monday. The Type 2 team already managing the fire will remain on site. Summerfield said firefighters estimate will have the fire fully contained by Friday at 7 p.m. A total of 390 personnel are fighting the fire, along with 29 engines, 10 Type 1 hot-shot crews, two Type 2 hand crews, two dozers, three graders, four helicopters and seven water tenders. Fires near Ashland showed no sign of letting up Monday, and a Type 2 incident command team was requested and was expected to be on the scene today, said Marilyn Krause, fire information officer. The Watt Draw fire about 13 miles southeast of Ashland was the largest in the complex. Krause estimated that it stood at 17,550 acres. Containment was estimated at 60 percent. The Sage fire burning near Ashland was still smoldering in sawdust piles at an abandoned sawmill. The fire was estimated at 1,069 acres and was 90 percent contained Monday. The King Mountain fire burning on Custer National Forest and private land just south of Ashland, has burned about 234 acres and was 100 percent contained. • Firefighters were continuing mop-up Monday on the Butte Creek fire eight miles north of Busby. The fire is 200 acres and is 60 percent contained. • In Rosebud County, the Horton-Hay Creek fire had burned 22,350 acres about seven miles south of Hathaway, said fire-information officer Terina Mullen. Two fires that had been part of the Horton-Hay Creek complex � the Spring Creek and Iron Jaw fires � have been contained at 530 and 120 acres, respectively. The complex is 80 percent contained, with full containment expected by 8 tonight, Mullen said. She said firefighters will continue securing the line around the fire today. “Things are looking pretty good,” Mullen said. There were two vehicle accidents on the fire site Monday, both involving firefighters, one involving an engine and the other a pickup truck. No one was injured in either accident, Mullen said, and the accidents are under investigation by a fire-safety officer. No further information was available. • The Birthday 2 fire 10 miles south of St. Xavier was 60 percent contained at 6,194 acres. Gazette reporters Lorna Thackeray and Lance Benzel as well as The Associated Press contributed to this story. http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2006/07/18/news/state/25-majerus_g.txt

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.