09/13/2024
FIRE ACTIVITY UPDATE
For more information on the follow the Montana DNRC or visit the fire's inciweb site.
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtmts-long-tom-fire
🔥 PEDRO MINE 🔥
Madison Ranger District - The Pedro Mine fire is now estimated at 45 acres. The fire was relatively calm most of today. A new spot fire has established further to the north, and slightly closer to Lower Branham Lake. Fire managers were focused on point protection for the cabin closest to the fire and operated the sprinkler system today. A helicopter was used for a short time in the morning, and again in the afternoon, to drop water on the fire to slow fire movement into an un-favorable area that would pose a threat to fire personnel and certain values. Barricades were placed at the intersection of Mill Creek Road (FS RD 111) and the Middle Fork Mill Creek Road (FS RD 7313) to limit public access into the fire area and Branham Lakes Campground. As the fire moves north fire personnel continue to assess the other identified values at risk in and around Branham Lakes Campground for protection needs, order the appropriate resources and equipment, and identify timely implementation of the protection measures. One permitted-claim owner arrived to secure belongings from the claim. An overnight mapping mission using infrared has been ordered for tonight.
Tomorrow’s actions will continue with structure protection of the cabin closest to the fire by patrolling for spot fires and operating the sprinkler system. Fire personnel will also assess, and potentially initiate, pro-active burning around Branham Lakes Campground. These actions will reduce the amount of fuel available to burn. Reducing these fuels will help protect the infrastructure and vegetation in the campground, as well as lessen the intensity of a future wildfire and the threat that would pose to recreationists and first responders. The main fire will continue to be monitored for fire spread and threat to identified values.
These actions are designed to allow fire personnel to protect the identified values at risk while operating in areas that have much better access and egress to safety.
Agency representatives continue to compile contact information for affected landowners immediately adjacent to the fire area.
🔥 MCDERMOTT 🔥
Pintler Ranger District - The McDermott fire is now estimated at 319 acres.
This incident is being managed by Type 3 Incident Management Team.
The McDermott fire most active on the east and west flanks of the fire. Firefighters are continuing with suppression efforts on the eastern flank of the fire to minimize fire growth towards private property. Aviation support will be limited today based on forecasted winds and low visibility due to hazy conditions.
The widespread haze moved in last night, primarily coming from the southwest. Fires in southern Idaho as well as eastern Oregon have been producing a majority of the smoke.
