Fire Crews Tackle North Side of Dominic Point Fire
Incident: Dominic Point Wildfire
Released: 7/29/2010
"FIRE CREWS TACKLE NORTH SIDE OF DOMINIC POINT FIRE"
Hamilton, MT, 10:30 a.m. - This morning five "hotshot" fire crews are beginning construction of a fireline on the north side of the Dominic Point fire in rugged terrain, with thick vegetation and downed timber. The crews will be on the lookout for falling snags and identifying safety zones as they build line. Another safety concern is the possible spotting of the fire due to gusty winds. Firefighters have completed fireline along the east, south and west sides of the fire and are extinguishing burning material as far as 120 feet into the burned area. Helicopters will be assisting with slinging equipment and reconnaissance of emergency evacuation sites.
Today a high pressure weather system will bring warmer, drier conditions with temperatures in the upper 70's. This could result in increased fire behavior, with new torching of trees and resulting smoke.
The Dominic Point fire is located 12 miles northeast of Hamilton, two miles west of Willow Mountain Lookout. The fire is still approximately 900 acres. There are currently 180 persons assigned to the fire, working to contain it, including five elite Type I, 20-person "hotshot" crews from Montana, Idaho and Utah.
Of the 10 new lightning fires reported yesterday afternoon on the Bitterroot National Forest, 8 fires are staffed with firefighters. All are less than 1/4 of an acre. The Mt. Aura fire in the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness is being managed as a resource benefit fire, generating benefits for a diverse set of natural resources.
For more information, call the Stevensville Ranger Station at 777-5461, or visit www.inciweb.org for the latest maps and photos, or contact Tod McKay at 208-629-9653.
