Approximate Location
Incident Overview
August 2, 2010
DOMINIC POINT FIRE RESTRICTIONS LIFTED
Hamilton, MT, 11:45 a.m. - With the Dominic Point fire 90% contained, this morning Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor Julie King signed an order rescinding the closure area around the fire. Since last Sunday, Willow Mountain Road has been closed to the public along with areas around Dominic Point approximately 4 miles north, 2 miles south, 5 miles east and 1 mile west. A temporary flight restriction over the area has also been lifted.
Even though the area is now open, forest officials caution the public to be careful and drive slowly as fire crews will still be patrolling this week and working to mop up. The public should also be on the lookout for falling snags and burned out stump holes.
Two Bitterroot Forest fire crews are still assigned to the fire along with several engines. All of the aerial support including four helicopters and retardant planes have been released from the fire. Officials expect to have the fire 100% contained this week and will begin dismantling fire camp along Willow Creek Road later today.
"I can't thank the 200 plus personnel enough who assisted us on this fire," said Stevensville District Ranger Dan Ritter. "It looked pretty grim last Sunday but the ground crews dug in and held their lines and the aerial support saved Willow Mountain Lookout. The weather cooperated also and that played a big role in our success."
In other fire news, the forest is currently managing 9 wilderness fires, 8 are in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and 1 is in the Anaconda-Pintlar. They are all approximately 1/10 acre. These naturally occurring fires ignited by lightning play a critical role in ecosystems by recycling nutrients, regenerating plants, and reducing high concentrations of fuels that can contribute to disastrous wildland fires.
So far this year, the Bitterroot National Forest has managed a total of 45 fires at 925 acres. Two fires are staffed with firefighters at this time. Both the North Lost Horse and 10 Mile fires are controlled. They are located in the Darby Ranger District and are 1/10 acre.
For the latest fire information and maps and photos visit www.inciweb.org or contact Tod McKay at 406-363-7122.
Basic Information
| Incident Type | Wildfire |
|---|---|
| Cause | Lightning |
| Date of Origin | Sunday July 25th, 2010 approx. 03:00 PM |
| Location | 12 miles NE of Hamilton, MT. 2 miles W of Willow Mountain Lookout |
| Incident Commander | Bret Lewis |
Current Situation
| Total Personnel | 135 |
|---|---|
| Size | 897 acres |
| Percent Contained | 90% |
| Fuels Involved | The primary carrier of fire is timber litter and heavy dead and down fuels, grasses are present and contribute to fire spread where present. Fuel moistures in the heavy dead and down remain low as do the live foliar moistures. Grassy areas including bear grass are curing and support surface fire spread. Fuel moistures remain high in the brush and herbaceous materials. |
| Significant Events | This fire was discovered 7/25 at 3:00 in the afternoon by St. Mary's and Willow Mountain Lookout. It was initially 30 acres in size. This fire was a lightning strike from a week previous. Due to temperatures it didn't make an appearance until 7/25. Evacuated Willow Mountain Lookout and civilians from Burnt Fork Lake by helicopter. |
Outlook
| Terrain Difficulty | Difficult due to steep terrain and limited access with heavy continuous fuels. |
|---|---|
| Remarks | Closure for the area will be lifted today |
