Firewatch Continues with Windy Rock Fire and Knowles Fire

Photo credit Montana DNRC The Windy Rock Fire was first reported on August 14th, 15 miles NE of Drummond, Mt. Firefighter and public safety remain the top priorities as crews implement a safe and aggressive full suppression strategy using both direct and indirect tactics while minimizing impacts to private land whenever possible. Dozer operators and other heavy equipment are extending and improving control lines by utilizing existing roads and natural barriers. Timber crews are creating shaded fuel breaks along these roads to support containment efforts. The Windy Rock Fire has crossed onto private land, prompting ongoing structure assessments and protection efforts around the Garnet Mountain subdivision. Hotshot crews are constructing direct handlines on the northern edge of the fire to mitigate its spread toward private property. Crews are addressing spot fires in the most active areas with the support of Type 1 helicopters. Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs) will apply retardant to slow the fire’s rate of spread towards critical values at risk. The fire remains very active, exhibiting rapid spread, crown fire activity, and heavy spotting moving west and south towards structures on private land. The Powell County Sheriff’s Office has issued an evacuation order for residents in the OS/Garnet Mountain Property Association (Reforestation Area) south of Helmville. For more information, please call the Sheriff’s Office at 406-846-2711 or follow their Facebook account. The Powell County Sheriff’s Office issued an evacuation order for residents in the OS/Garnet Mountain Property Association (Reforestation Area) south of Helmville. The Sheriff’s Office may be contacted at (406) 846-2711 or found on Facebook for more information. The Windy Rock fire is 2,723 acres in size and 0% contained as of August 24th. The Knowles Fire, first reported on August 17th, 6 miles east of Paradise, Montana, is 3567 acres in size and 6% contained as of August 24th. Firefighters successfully used aerial ignition on Saturday to burn out the Little Money Creek drainage to the indirect line extending to MM91. This action created a hard black edge against the control lines to prevent the fire from spreading eastward. With the completion of this burn on the eastern side, crews will shift focus to the northern side to continue preparations and burn the indirect line. Firefighters are also pushing a direct line north across the top of the fire. They may utilize burnout tactics to reduce fuels along the control lines. Due to continued east winds and increased fire activity, smoke may fill the area west of the fire until the winds shift. The Sanders County Sheriff’s Office has issued a pre-evacuation notice for residents in the McLaughlin area. Please continue to check the Great Falls Gazette for updates as we strive to provide you with information throughout the fire season. Photo credit Montana DNRC

Firewatch Continues with Windy Rock Fire and Knowles Fire

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