8/22/07 W H Complex Update
Incident: W H Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 8/22/2007
August 22, 2007 8:00 a.m.
Fire Information: 406 932-3121,3122
Public Information:
Kimberly Nelson
Headlines
- The WH Complex remained at 28,550 acres and is 40% contained.
- The amount of contained perimeter and mop up on the west side of the Wicked Creek Fire and the Hicks Park Fire continues to increase, reducing the threat to structures on both fires.
- There are currently 502 personnel working on the WH Complex including nine 20-person hand crews, one heavy helicopter, one light helicopter, thirty-six engines, one skidder, one processor, and two feller-bunchers.
- A rehabilitation plan is being developed.
- Suppression efforts continue to focus on structure triage and protection, mopping up adjacent to structures and access routes, direct and indirect line construction in areas with high values at risk, and patrol.
- Area closures are being reevaluated, but continue to be in effect.
- The WH Complex consists of two fires that are approximately 8 miles apart.
Hicks Park Fire - Currently at 2,500 acres. The heavy equipment group on the Hicks Park Fire continues to construct a fuel break adjacent to the Christikon Camp and the Main Boulder Road. Crews continue to build direct and indirect handline along the western edge of the fire. Structure and bridge protection efforts continue.
Wicked Creek Fire - Currently at 26,050 acres. The northwestern perimeter along the East Fork of Mill Creek will be contained using cold trailing and handline construction. Snag removal continues along the main road through the center of the burn. Rapellers will work on some hot spots on the south west corner of the fire. Structure and bridge protection efforts continue.
Public Meetings
•· A Public meeting hosted by the Gallatin National Forest will be held tonight at the High School in Big Timber at 6:00 pm.
•· The Stillwater County Commissioners and county office of Disaster and Emergency Services will host a public meeting on Thursday, August 23 at 2:00 pm at the Nye Fire Hall. Updated maps and information on the WH Complex will be available.
Residents on evacuation notice from the Hicks Park Fire can now obtain a trip permit to access their property. The trip permit allows property owners to go beyond the road block after 6:00 a.m. and returning by noon. Trip permits can be obtained at the Sweet Grass County Courthouse from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. A permit can be obtained the day prior to a trip. For more information contact the county Emergency Operation Center (9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily) at 406-932-3014 or check their web page at: http://www.co.sweetgrass.mt.us/
Visit Inciweb http://www.inciweb.org/ and click on the WH Complex for more information
