8/23/07 W H Update
Incident: W H Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 8/23/2007
August 23, 2007 8:00 a.m. Fire Information: 406 932-3121, 3122 Public Information Officer: Kimberly Nelson
Headlines
- The WH Complex remained at 28,550 acres and is 50% contained. The Complex consists of two fires that are approximately 8 miles apart. Demobilization of some fire resources has begun.
- The amount of contained perimeter and mop up on the west sides of the Wicked Creek Fire and the Hicks Park Fire continue to increase, reducing the threat to structures on both fires.
- There are currently 480 personnel working on the WH Complex including nine 20-person hand crews, two helicopters, 30 engines, one skidder, and one timber processor.
- A fire rehabilitation plan is being developed.
- Suppression efforts continue to focus on maintaining structure protection for structures at risk, removing structure protection for structures no longer at risk, snagging roads, and patrol. Crews continue to contain perimeter and mop up on both fires.
- Current area closures are being reevaluated, but remain in effect.
Hicks Park Fire - Currently at 2,500 acres. The heavy equipment group has completed a fuel break adjacent to the Christikon Camp and the Main Boulder Road. Crews continue to work to secure the fire perimeter and mop up on the northwest, west, and southwest flanks of the fire. Structure and bridge protection efforts continue.
Wicked Creek Fire - Currently at 26,050 acres. Crews continue to work to secure the fire perimeter and mop up on the west and northwest flanks of the fire. Snag removal continues along the main road through the center of the burn. Rappellers are working hot spots on the south west corner of the fire. Structure and bridge protection efforts continue.
Public Meetings
•· The Stillwater County Commissioners and county office of Disaster and Emergency Services will host a public meeting today, August 23, at 2:00 pm at the Nye Fire Hall. Updated maps and information on the WH Complex will be available.
•· No additional public meetings are scheduled for Emigrant or Big Timber due to decreased fire activity.
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 on the day prior to a trip. For information contact the county Emergency Operation Center (9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily) at 406-932-3014 or http://www.co.sweetgrass.mt.us/.
Members of the Incident Management Team met with the Sheriffs of Park and Sweet Grass Counties yesterday. The Sheriffs plan to rescind the voluntary evacuation orders in both counties on Friday, 8/24, at 6:00 am. Access to those areas will still be limited to only landowners and residents.
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Visit Inciweb at http://www.inciweb.org/ and click on the WH Complex for more information.
