Dominic Point Fire containment up to 60% Play Video
Posted: Jul 29, 2010 10:52 AM
Updated: Jul 30, 2010 7:19 PM
NEAR CORVALLIS -Fire crews on the Dominic Point Fire continued progress building firelines on the rugged north side of the blaze and report they've reached 60% containment.
The Bitterroot National Forest's Tod McKay says that crews will work Friday to extinguish burning material as far as 120 feet into the burned area from the firelines. Helicopters will also be helping out with slinging equipment and identifying medical evacuation sites as needed.
Temperatures are expected to reach the lower 80's at the fire area on Friday, with some wind gusts and an increasing chance of thunderstorms. McKay cautions that the warming and drying trend could result in increased fire behavior, with new torching of trees and fire spotting.
The Dominic Point fire is located 12 miles northeast of Hamilton and has held steady at about 900 acres burned.
There are currently 218 persons assigned, working to contain the fire, including five Type I 20-person "hotshot" crews.
(from July 29, 2010)
NEAR CORVALLIS - Fire officials report that crews are continuing ot make progress in coralling the Dominic Point fire which is burning northeast of Hamilton.
The blaze is now 40 percent contained and crews are making good progress in trying to build a fireline completely around the nearly 900-acre fire.
The fire did kick-up a bit with Thursday afternoon's hot temperatures, but several "hotshot" crews are working to build a fireline along the north side of the Dominic Point fire in rugged terrain, with thick vegetation and downed timber.
The Bitterroot National Forest's Tod McKay says that the crews will be watching out falling snags and also identifying safety zones as they build line. Another safety concern is the possible spotting of the fire due to gusty winds.
Firefighters have completed fireline along the east, south and west sides of the fire and are extinguishing burning material as far as 120 feet into the burned area. McKay added that helicopters will be assisting with slinging equipment and reconnaissance of emergency evacuation sites.
The expected warmer and drier weather could fan the fire, resulting in new torching of trees and resulting smoke.
The Dominic Point fire is located 12 miles northeast of Hamilton and is still about 900 acres. McKay says that there are currently 180 persons assigned to the fire, including five elite Type I, 20-person "hotshot" crews from Montana, Idaho and Utah.
