Single Publication

Incident Commander: David McPhee
Location: 16 miles northwest of Philipsburg, MT
Start Date: 8/26/2024
Cause: Undetermined
Size: 319 acres
Resources on Site: 2 crews; 2 engines; 1 helicopter; miscellaneous heavy equipment
Total Personnel: 59

The McDermott Fire, located in the Upper Willow Creek area, is burning in an inaccessible area containing a large concentration of standing dead trees (“snags”) that pose challenges to ensuring firefighter safety and in responding to potential medical emergencies.

Fire managers from the Forest, working in collaboration with local county officials and cooperating agency representatives, have identified and prioritized critical values at risk in the fire area. The closest values are located three miles to the east of the fire’s location.

Helicopters dropped water on the fire during the initial attack phase, but high winds and the inaccessibility of the fire location resulted in fire growth. Additionally, drift smoke from other large fires to the west and south resulted in the inability to fly additional helicopters for air operations in subsequent days.

CURRENT STATUS/PLANNED ACTIONS:
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.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:
Today, hot and dry conditions will persist, in addition to wind gusts up to 25 mph. There will be an increase in southwest winds through Tuesday. Temperatures will be in the mid-70s today with relative humidities in the mid-20s. Wednesday a cold front will move through the area, bringing moisture on Thursday. The fire could receive as much as 1 inch of rain.

Fire progression within the last operational period has been on the east and west flanks of the fire. With the increase of gusty winds, fire behavior may increase again today.

CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS:
The Forest is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Campfires are allowed only in a permanent metal fire grate/ring provided by the Forest Service in a designated, developed recreation site. Smoking is restricted to vehicles, in buildings, or in an area clear of flammable materials. Devices with an on/off switch that use LPG fuels are allowed in an area clear of flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.
Forest fire managers have closed trails in the area near the fire for public safety.

These trails include the following:
Black Pine Ridge Trail #8006
McDermott Gulch Trail # 8238
Pole Ridge Trail # 8237
Horsetheif Trail # 8297
Schilo Creek Trail # 8240
Upper Will Trail #8106
Rattling Gulch Trail

The public is encouraged to refrain from entering these areas for their safety and to allow for safe and effective
firefighting operations. Heavy equipment, helicopters, and firefighters will be operating near the eastern flank of
the fire and adjacent areas.