Black Cat Fire Update 8/29/07
Incident: Black Cat Wildland Fire
Released: 8/29/2007
Black Cat Fire Update
Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team- Kim Martin IC
Black Cat Fire Information (406) 542-4321
Information Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Information is also available at: http://www.inciweb.org
August 29, 2007
9:00 a.m.
Current Situation: Fire activity diminished again yesterday. Isolated torching, though still occurring, was less frequent. Mop up is the main activity taking place on the northern two thirds of the fire, with crews focusing on rehabilitation of the southern portion. Rehabilitation includes actions such as putting in water bars to help prevent erosion and pulling material back across the suppression lines to give them a more natural look. Water support is coming from an extensive network of hose lays the crews are using to mop up. Last night engines were assigned to the line to monitor the fire's perimeter and patrol around structures to ensure that no flare ups occurred.
The Radiometric Airborne Mapping (RAM) System was used this afternoon during the heat of the day, and detected only seven hot spots; all along the northeast end of the fire but within our firelines.
Today our only remaining hot shot crew with support from several Type 2 crews will search out the spots detected by the Radiometric Airborne Mapping System. Keep in mind that smoke will continue to be visible probably until the first snow falls, but it is well inside our containment lines. In the last two days hand crews, engines, helicopters, and dozers have been reduced by more than 300 as they are being reassigned to other fires with critical resource needs. The Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team will transition the fire to a local Type 3 team tomorrow at 6 p.m.
Residents are reminded to be aware of hazards that exist from the fire. Downed trees, stumps and stump holes will continue to smolder and may flare up occasionally. Snags and green trees whose roots have been weakened by fire may fall at any time. Roads will be dusty and visibility may be limited with the increased fire related traffic on the roads.
Traffic Control: The Montana Highway Patrol and Missoula County Sheriff's Department are patrolling the area in front of the Incident Command Post on Highway 93. Motorists should adhere to the posted speed limit. Residents are reminded to not stop along the highway due to heavy fire traffic and the additional traffic due to school being in session.
Fire Statistics:
Start Date: August 14, 2007
Size: estimated 11,754 acres.
Contained: 90 percent
Cause: Lightning
Total Personnel: Approximately 411
Resources include: 1 Type 1 handcrew, 7 Type 2 handcrews, 23 engines, 2 dozers, 10 watertenders, overhead personnel, and aerial resources.
NOTE: Please note the change in the contact phone number for fire information. This is the final update from the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team.
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