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.
Yesterday the crew and sawyers continued to suppress hot spots that advanced ahead of the fire to the east and northeast with direct and indirect tactics. Aviation support was limited due to concentrations of heavy smoke in the area from larger fires near the McDermott fire. Fire resources are concentrating both ground and aviation resources to minimize potential fire spread that may threaten private property. Machinery with masticators are clearing roads of heavy vegetation to improve access for fire resources and potentially serve as a fire control line if fire spreads.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:
Today showers and thunderstorms will be increasing from 3 pm onward. Chances of wetting rain are high into Thursday. There is a 90% probability of at least 0.50” of rain in the 48 hours between Wednesday afternoon and Friday afternoon with a probability of at least 1” of rainfall. Gusty outflow winds are a concern with any thunderstorms on Wednesday afternoon along with brief heavy rainfall. Temperatures will be in the low to mid-60’s with relative humidities between 36-41 percent. There will occasional wind gusts to 15 mph.

The fire made forward progression to the north and northwest into an unnamed drainage near McDermott Gulch. With increased cloud cover and anticipated wetting rain 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.