300 Acre Fire Threatens Structures near Philipsburg

By Scott Poniewaz, 7-30-05

A 300-acre fire at Frog Pond, about 25 miles southwest of Philipsburg, Mont., heated things up for firefighters as well as a few homeowners Friday. According to the Northern Rockies Coordination Center, a total of 12 structures are currently threatened, mostly cabins.

The fire has forced some Bitterroot National Forest Trail closures, though the fire actually sits in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. A Type II incident management crew took command early this morning following yesterday's initial attack efforts, according to the NRCC.

In other fire news, the Baker Fire, near Plains, Mont. is nearing suppression. According to the NRCC, it was 99% contained by late last night and expected to be completely contained by later today. Demobilization of crews and engines continues and creeping surface fires and smoldering stump holes are still present. Rehabilitation of fire lines has begun by many of the 346 people that still remain on the fire. The estimated cost of the 2,333 acre Baker fire to date stands at $936,455.

Update: The Frog Pond fire apparently is holding at 300 acres and the structure areas are being prepared with helicopter water drops in the event that fire should further threaten them. A spot fire jumped 0.75 miles, but was contained by air attack crews, who seem to be playing a key role in this fire due to the difficult terrain in the area. Type I and II initial attack crews are continuing to do line construction through the terrain.

Also, it must be noted that a small fire ignited and was quickly suppressed Sunday afternoon on Blue Mountain. According to Sharon Sweeney at the Lolo National Forest, it was likely human caused, but is still under investigation. [End of article]