08/31/2008- Daily Fire Update
Incident: Dunn Mountain Wildland Fire
Released: 8/31/2008
(Billings, MT) Saturday brought critical successes protecting structures on the active northwestern flank of the Dunn Mountain fire. Engine crews, equipment and aircraft worked to protect ranches in thickly timbered draws and succeeded in keeping the fire east of Fattig Creek Road.
Along this northern head of the fire, crews also struggled to prevent further spread to the east. "They almost had it pinched off, but it kept leaping," throwing firebrands almost 1/4 mile, said David Walks of Crow BIA helitack, working by Fattig Creek. To date, crews have been working to keep the fire west of Fishel Creek Road. Elsewhere along the fire, crews continued to secure the southern and eastern sides of the fire which have shown little activity.
Gusty winds shifted from south to west to north through the afternoon; however the winds and temperatures were not as critical as previously forecasted.
Musselshell County Sheriff's deputies went door to door along Fishel Creek and West Musselshell Road late Saturday afternoon, warning residents to temporarily leave their homes, in the event crews could not hold containment lines near Fishel Creek Road.
Road closures continue to be in effect on Fattig Creek Road, Chandler Road, and the CA Road. Musselshell County personnel will staff roadblocks again Sunday, only allowing fire related traffic and landowners into the area. Congested roads and dusty road conditions continue to be a hazard for local drivers as well as fire personnel.Dunn Mountain fire managers are coordinating with local agencies to assist initial attack of new fires, which ignited Saturday evening. The largest of those were the 1500+ acre East Bench fire and 50 acre "32" fire, both between Ryegate and Cushman.
