Single Publication

Incident Commander: David Mcfee
Location: 16 miles northwest of Philipsburg, MT
Start Date: 8/26/2024
Cause: Undetermined
Size: estimated at 425 acres
Resources on Site: 1 crew; 2 engines; 1 helicopter; miscellaneous heavy equipment
Total Personnel: 38

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.

CURRENT STATUS/PLANNED ACTIONS:
This incident is being managed by a Type 3 Incident Management Team.
The McDermott fire is most active on the east and west flanks. Firefighters are continuing with suppression efforts on the eastern flank to minimize fire growth toward private property. Aviation support will be limited today based on forecasted winds and hazy conditions hindering visibility.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:
Today will bring warm, dry, and breezy conditions. Temperatures will be in the low to mid-70s with relative humidities between 16-21 percent. There is also a chance for wind gusts to 25 mph again in the afternoon. Tonight, there is a slight chance of rain. A wetting system will begin on Wednesday, with an 80% chance of receiving 0.50 in. of rain by midnight. Aviation assets could be hampered by terrain obscurations Wednesday through Friday.

Fire progression within the last operational period has been on the east and west flanks. With the increase of cloud cover today, there should be a decrease in fire activity compared to yesterday.

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.