Packer Meadows Fire Update -- 7/29 5 PM
Incident: Packer Meadows Fire Wildfire
Released: 7/29/2010
Missoula, MT. July 29, 5 p.m. - The Packer Meadows Fire showed no significant growth over the last 12 hours and firefighters have been able to establish 40 percent containment of the fire. More precise Global Positioning System (GPS) mapping also established the fire at 105 acres - a reduction from the 150 that was estimated yesterday. Even though the fire did not grow today, fire managers note that the fire has significant growth potential during burning periods given the heavy fuel loading, and high temperatures and low humidity that currently exists. The same weather conditions are expected to continue over the next 72 hours. The predominant fire behavior observed today was creeping and smoldering ground fire. The fire continues to consume fuel in the interior, and is burning in dense lodgepole pine stands, with heavy dead and downed fuel. Resources committed to the fire include: Three helicopters Seven crews One engine One dozer Three closure orders signed yesterday remain in place to ensure public safety. The orders close to the public the following: Lee Creek Campground approximately two miles south of Lolo Hot Spring North Lost Park Road (#2194) approximately three miles northeast of Lolo Pass at its junction with road # 2195 Lee Ridge Trail #295 at the beginning of the trail three miles south of Lolo Hot Springs to the Montana/Idaho border For additional information on the closure orders please see the Packer Meadows Fire incident at: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2040/ Approximately 149 people are assigned to the suppression of the fire, which was lightning-caused. No structures or property are threatened by the fire. For additional information please call (406) 329-1024.
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