NEWS RELEASE
July Fire - Suspected Human Caused
The BLM Law Enforcement is investigating the July Fire as a suspected human caused fire. Further inquiries can be directed to the July Fire Information Officers at (406) 673-3910 or the BLM Public... more
Approximate Location
Incident Overview
Update: July 11, 2017 5:35 pm
Today’s activity: Today’s cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and cloud cover reduced fire activity, which aided firefighting efforts and increased firefighter safety. Crews conducted controlled burnout operations to remove unburned fuels in the interior of the fire perimeter. Supported by aircraft, crews continued to focus their efforts on the northern fire perimeter, by constructing new firelines, and strengthening existing firelines and contingency lines. Firefighters in all areas of the fire continue to patrol for hotspots and extinguish them as appropriate.
On the areas of contained fireline, crews are beginning to rehab the line that was created during fire suppression activities. Fireline rehab can include projects such as installing waterbars across roads and trails to prevent erosion and using heavy equipment to cover disturbed soils with vegetation.
Safety Advisory: Residents and visitors should restrict use of off highway vehicles, ATVs, hiking, horseback riding, and other recreational activities in the fire area, and should remain well outside the fire perimeter. Firelines must not be used as trails for any recreational activities. Post fire effects like fire weakened trees create additional hazards and firefighters are continuing to work in the area.
Basic Information
| Current as of | |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Wildfire |
| Cause | Unknown |
| Date of Origin | Monday July 03rd, 2017 approx. 04:30 PM |
| Location | Zortman,MT, Landusky, MT, Soueast of Hays, MT and Sourhwest of Lodgepole, MT. |
| Incident Commander | Rick Connell |
Current Situation
| Total Personnel | 440 |
|---|---|
| Size | 10,093 Acres |
| Percent of Perimeter Contained | 60% |
| Estimated Containment Date | Friday July 14th, 2017 approx. 12:00 AM |
| Fuels Involved | Lodgepole and ponderpsa pine timber with grasses. |
| Significant Events | The fire is active with wind-driven fire behavior including short crown runs and spot fires. |
Outlook
| Planned Actions | Continue utilizing hand crews and heavy equipment taskforce as resources become available. Complete structure protection actions, patrol, and mop up around Landusky. Continue rehabilitation of fireline on private and state owned lands. Continue fireing operations as needed on the northwestern flank. |
|---|---|
| Projected Incident Activity | Gusty, erratic winds are expected so fire operations will continue to respond to fire movement in Upper Alder Gulch. Firing operations and suppression actions will occur on the north flank. Other areas along the fire perimeter will continue patrolling and mop up and fireline rehabilitation will continue. |
| Remarks | Fire is contained on the east flank and has not crossed state route 66 to the south or 7 mile road to the east. The fire is within 1/2 mile of the Fort Belknap Reservation and Blaine County. The objective is to contain the fire on the north flank within upper Alder Gulch utilizing established control lines along mine Haul road, limiting fire effects to Landusky Mine site and Ft. Belknap Indian Community. |
Current Weather
| Weather Concerns | Isolated thunder storms are a concern as they could produce gusty, unpredictable winds and possible dry lightning. |
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