Se Montana Complex Update, July 13, 2012
Incident: Ash Creek Complex Wildfire
Released: 7/13/2012
Southeastern Montana Complex
Rodney Weeks, Incident Commander
July 13, 2012
Firefighting Forces Combined
Firefighting resources have combined, consolidated, and regrouped in order to more effectively mop up and rehabilitate the remaining Ash Creek and Taylor Creek Fires. Powerline, Horse Creek, and Coal Seam Fires are being patrolled daily for signs of smoke. All fires are 100% contained.
Firefighters and equipment have moved out of Colstrip and the Otter Creek area, and are now camping at St. Labre, immediately east of Ashland. Rodney Weeks is Incident Commander of the team now managing the fires.
Diligent mop-up of hot spots and careful rehabilitation of fire suppression dozer lines are the order of the day, and the crews and engines are focused on accomplishing the task on all ownerships.
A 12-person "Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation" team (BAER Team) is working to assess long-term rehabilitation needs to reduce future erosion and adverse vegetation issues on public land.
Montana Congressman Denny Rehberg's staff sponsored a meeting in St. Labre yesterday that focused on resources available to help with the recovery effort.
National Forest lands remain closed north of US Highway 212 on the Ashland Ranger District.
For more information on the Southeastern Montana Complex, please visit the website http://www.inciweb.org/, and click on "Southeastern Montana Complex" and "Ash Creek" fires.
Update at a Glance
Personnel: 166
Engines: 17
Tenders: 3
Dozers: 4
Graders: 2
Helicopters: 3
Total Acres of Complex: 325,063
Ash Crk Fire:
249,562 acres
Taylor Crk Fire:
62,134 acres
Horse Crk Fire:
7575 acres
Powerline Fire:
5265 acres
Coal Seam Fire:
527 acres
