Spot Fires Continue to Challenge Firefighters
Incident: Packer Meadows Fire Wildfire
Released: 7/31/2010
Missoula, MT. July 31, 2 p.m. - Firefighters have improved fireline on the Packer Meadows Fire over the last operational period and have been successful in keeping the fire to 105 acres while they continue to be challenged by hundreds of spot fires outside the fire perimeter. Most of those spot fires are to the north of the fire perimeter.
As temperatures increase during the burning period the spot fires become active and firefighters are able to locate and put them out. Lower temperatures and higher humidity over the last 24 hours - as well as difficult terrain have made it more difficult to locate many of the spot fires. Heavy fuel loading has also increased the potential for spot fires.
The predominant fire behavior observed over the last 24 hours was single tree torching, and 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.
Three closure orders 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 Closures for the Packer Meadows Fire incident at: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2040/ Approximately 149 people remain 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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