Bear Gulch Fire Update for 8-26-2008
Incident: Bear Gulch Wildfire
Released: 8/26/2008
Start Date: August 18, 2008 Cause: Under investigation Phone: (406)266-3425
Location: Twelve miles east of Townsend and north of U.S. Highway 12
Current Size: 755 acres Containment: 100%
Resources Assigned: 1 - 20 person crew, 3 engines, 1 skigine, miscellaneous support and rehabilitation personnel for a total of 35 people.
Closures: A closure continues for the West Fork of Cabin Gulch Rd (4181), and all National Forest System lands north, south and west of this road between the North Fork of Deep Creek and U.S. Highway 12. Road 423 remains open to the public.Current Status: Today's weather will remain cool with expected temperatures into the upper 60's. Winds are expected to remain brisk through out today and into tonight. Expect to see areas of smoldering within the fire perimeter and well away from the fire lines. The lines have been cleared of hazards but the interior is still dangerous.
Planned Actions: Firefighters continue to mop up today. Some rehabilitation is occurring on the dozer contingency line, well back from the actual fire line.
Weather: An upper level trough continues to move over the fire area today bringing with it isolated showers and a few thunderstorms and cooler temperatures. Highs for today are expected to range between 61 and 71, minimum humidities range between 21 and 31. Winds will continue at 10 to 15 mph this morning, increasing this afternoon to 15 to 25 mph as the skies clear.
Remarks: Motorists are asked to slow to 35 mph on Highway 12 near the fire area due to increased fir traffic and blind corners.
Cooperating Agencies: Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Broadwater County, U.S. Forest Service
