The Saddle Mountain Fire located three miles west of Arlee, MT is now estimated at 300 acres. The fire's origin is suspected arson and is currently under investigation. The fire started near some slash piles in low elevation and has now reached heavy thick timber consisting of ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and western larch. Currently, three 20-person crews, two helicopters, two single engine air tankers, two bull-dozers, two-skid genes, and numerous fire engines from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and local volunteer fire departments are dispatched to Saddle Mountain. The fire is now partially lined and a large burnout operation was conducted overnight. Containment is estimated at 0%. One type 1 "hotshot" crew and four Type 2 crews have been ordered, as have two more water tenders, and a food caterer. The weather forecast for Friday and Saturday calls for warm temperatures and moderate winds approximately 3-6 mph.
E-Mail Story
Print Story
