Meyers Fire
August 10, 2017 9:00a.m. For Immediate Release(406) 859-9107
Acres Burned: 13,450Containment: 5%
Fire Started: July 14, 2017 Cause: Lightning
Engines: 14Helicopters: 5
Dozers: 2 Skidgines: 2
Water Tenders: 6Crews: 15
Total Resources: 533
Portions of the east and north sections of the Meyers fire, located 25 miles southwest of Philipsburg, Montana received a small amount of rainfall Wednesday afternoon. While it did lessen fire activity somewhat in the grassy fuels it was not enough to have any long-range impact on the fire. Several lightning strikes were observed well north of the fire yesterday afternoon along with some brief periods of rain showers. Resources assigned to initial attack will monitor those areas for the next several days and take appropriate actions should any new fire starts be detected.
Yesterday, good progress was made as hand crews and heavy equipment completed construction of indirect fireline along the southeast and east flanks of the fire northward to the Copper Creek #80 Road. Firefighters will continue to build contingency lines to the north towards Kaiser Lake today, and clearing of brush and hazard trees along the Copper Creek #80 Road towards Frog Pond will continue.
Yesterday, residents of the Moose Lake area were allowed to visit their properties under escort by fire personnel, but were not allowed to stay as the evacuation order remains in effect. Structure protection measures have been in place for the residences in the Moose Lake area and no structures have been lost. In the past two days, more than 30,000 feet of hose has been utilized in firefighting efforts. All incident management actions reflect a commitment to safety for the public, firefighters and aviation operations.
There is a chance of scattered thunderstorms again this afternoon. A drier weather pattern is expected as we get towards the end of the week into the weekend. This could bring an increase in fire activity and a chance of some dry thunderstorms.
This fire is projected to be a long duration fire and is expected to grow larger over time. While the Meyers fire is not posing any imminent danger, residents of the East Fork Reservoir and Georgetown areas can expect to see fire vehicles and equipment for the next several days as firefighting personnel and equipment implement the long-term contingency plan to protect those communities.
Evacuations: The Granite County Sheriff issued evacuation notices for the FROG POND BASIN, COPPER CREEK CAMPGROUND areas and the MOOSE LAKE area. These areas are closed for public health and safety due to wildfire.
Fire Restrictions/Closures: The current fire danger level across the forest is Very High. Granite County has implemented Stage II fire restrictions for private lands within Granite County. An Emergency Closure Order, dated August 3, 2017, remains in place for Copper Creek Road #80 closed at the junction with Moose Lake Road #5106. The Copper Creek Campground is closed. The Ross Fork Road #70 remains open to local traffic only. A map and narrative of the closure area is available on InciWeb at
Temporary Flight Restrictions:A TFR encompasses the area overthe fire. For more information
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