New Wildfire Near Garrison [AUDIO]
July 19, 2012 6:28 PM 
A wildfire reported yesterday afternoon is challenging firefighters due to its relative inaccessibility, beetle-killed timber, and an inbound storm which could bring thunderstorms, lightning, and wind. The Wet Cottonwood Fire is burning along Wet Cottonwood Creek in a Bureau of Land Management wilderness study area. The lightning-caused fire was estimated at 25 acres, but the remote location, fuel type, and current and predicted weather were a worry to fire managers. There are 3 helicopters working on the fire, 2 hotshot crews, the Montana State Prison 20-man crew, and 10 smokejumpers.
Air tankers dropped retardant on the blaze yesterday, trying to knock it down ahead of the ground forces. Helicopters have been dropping buckets of water on it most of the day, dipping out of Nevada Reservoir. Roughly 80 people are working on the fire. The Wet Cottonwood Fire is roughly 15 miles north of Garrison Junction. Fire personnel are accessing the fire via Brock Creek Road. In addition, there is timber harvest occurring in the area, with log trucks traveling the road as well. The public is asked to avoid unnecessary travel along Brock Creek Road and, if traveling, use headlights and slow down in anticipation of fire and/or logging-related traffic.
Fire Information Officer Paula Short
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
More From News Talk KGVO
Reserve Your Memorial Weekend Campsite From Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Online [AUDIO]
Missoula County Commissioners Hear Protests – Support for Removing Fairgrounds Racetrack [AUDIO]
Severe Lightning Storm Turns Off Power for 2,000 Residents in East Missoula, Bonner and Milltown
Leave a Comment