Elbow Pass Complex Fire Update 8-20-12
Incident: Elbow Pass Fire Complex Wildfire
Released: 8/20/2012
Fire Information - Elbow Pass Complex
August 20, 2012 10:00 AM
Incident Team: Lewis & Clark Forest Type 3 IMT Contact: Brian LaMoure 562-3791
Cost to Date: $3,520,000 Acres: 19,712 Containment: 0% Personnel 41
The Elbow Pass Complex is comprised of five different lightning ignitions from July 12 through July 31. These four fires have merged into one fire, the Elbow Pass Complex: Triple Divide Fire, Rapid Creek Fire, Elbow Pass Fire, and Bar Creek Fire. The fires are generally located 25 miles west southwest of Augusta, Montana. The Falls Point fire is south of the Complex. All are located in inaccessible terrain in heavy fuels. The fires are in the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat Wilderness Areas and are on three forests.
There are 15,852 acres burned on the Lewis & Clark National Forest, 297 acres on the Lolo National Forest and 3,282 acres on the Flathead National Forest. The Falls Point Fire has had minimal spread and remains at 281 acres. Total for the Elbow Pass Complex is currently 19,712 acres
Yesterday's Activities: Wildland Fire Module monitored fire spread in South Fork Sun River, took fuel moisture samples and weather observations. Helicopter GPS reconnaissance of fire for remapping of acreages. Falls Point fire was inactive with some smoke from the fire's interior.
Today's Planned Activities: Continue with Initial Attack responsibilities on Forest as requested. Continue structure protection and visitor contacts at Danaher, Basin, and Benchmark Trailhead. Wildland Fire Module will monitor fire spread in South Fork Sun River, take fuel moisture samples and weather observations. Helicopter reconnaissance of fire and some bucket work intending to delay fire spread in the South Fork of the Sun. Re-evaluate trail closures.
Recreation Opportunities: While the Benchmark Road is open, the area is closed beginning a half mile west of the road. Numerous trails will remain closed. Please check with local offices for specific recreation information. Please note that vehicles parked at the trailhead could be at fire risk due to possible future fire activity. The Benchmark Air Strip is closed, the Augusta air strip is open.
For more information on these or other wildland fires, and related information visit:
www.inciweb.org or call:
Augusta Information Station 406-562-3247
Choteau District Office 406-466-5341
Seeley Lake Ranger District 406-677-2233
Spotted Bear Ranger District 406-758-5376
