Macdonald Pass Fire Update
Incident: Macdonald Pass Fire Wildfire
Released: 9/29/2009
MacDonald Pass Fire Update
September 29, 2009
9:00 AM
Start date: September 25, 2009
Cause: Currently under investigation
Contact: Gary Hoshide, Information Officer
Phone: 406-443-3155
Public Meeting: Due to the progress made towards containment and less active fire behavior, a public meeting tentatively scheduled for tonight will not be held.
Location: 8 Miles Southwest of Helena, MT.
Current Size: Approximately 170 Acres (reduction in acres due to more accurate GPS measurements).
Resources Assigned:
Personnel: Approximately 299
Engines: 14
Water Tenders: 3
Heavy Equipment: 5 Bulldozer, 2 Feller-bunchers, 1 Skidgine
Helicopters: 5 (1 Heavy, 2 Medium, 2 Light)
Air Tankers: Available on Request
Significant Events Today: Crews should complete the perimeter containment efforts today. Open burning remains closed in both Lewis & Clark and Jefferson Counties.
Current Status: As of yesterday, entire perimeter has had some control action efforts. Containment is estimated at 75%.
Today's Planned Actions: Hold and secure entire perimeter. Firefighters will continue mop-up efforts along the perimeter boundaries. Protect Structures and provide for firefighter and public safety.
Safety Concerns: Lewis and Clark County officials again asked residents to avoid Highway 12 West due to fire suppression activities and traffic. Protection for the City of Helena water treatment facility and, water collection plant is still a high priority. The fire is burning in 80 to 90% mountain pine beetle killed lodge pole.
Weather: A system will move over the fire this evening and partly clouded skies can be expected throughout the day. Forecasted temperatures are for mid 60's. Humidity levels will be 22-25 percent. Winds will come from the West at less than 5 mph, with ridge top winds between 15 - 20 mph. Stronger winds could develop in the afternoon and mix down into the timber as the weather system moves in. Precipitation is expected to come in with the weather system this evening.
Cooperating Agencies: Baxendale Volunteer Fire Department, Helena National Forest, Bureau of Indian Affairs, City of Helena and Lewis and Clark County. Sheriff Leo Dutton, and Jess Secrest are functioning as unified Incident Commanders.
Fuel/Fire Mitigation Suggestions: Homeowners in the fire vicinity are encouraged to clear debris, excess brush and duff away from their homes to create "defensible space." More "defensible space" information can be found on https://inciweb.org/www.firewise.org.
For further updates, please visit the national incident web site: http://www.inciweb.org/
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