Elbow Pass Complex Update 8-31
Incident: Elbow Pass Fire Complex Wildfire
Released: 8/31/2012
Fire Information - Elbow Pass Complex
August 31, 2012 10:00 AM
Incident Team: Type 3 IMT Bill King, Brett Witte (T)
Cause: Lightning
Acres: 20,414 acres Containment 0%
Resources: Wildland Fire Module, 1 helicopter Total Personnel: 33
Contact: Glenda Scott 562-3791
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 national forests.
The Elbow Pass Complex acreage is 20,414 acres; 16,117 acres on the Lewis & Clark National Forest, 3,585 acres on the Flathead National Forest, and 712 acres on the Lolo National Forest. Additionally, fire managers are managing the Falls Point fire on the Lolo National forest, currently 266 acres.
Yesterday's Activities: The Wildland Fire Module completed the sprinkler system improvements in Ellis Creek in the South Fork Sun River; it is operational if it becomes necessary to use it. The Incident Commander flew the fire today; there continues to be heat along the southern and western perimeter within the existing burn area creeping and smoldering in unburned fuels. There was increased heat in the South Fork Sun River Thursday. Fire managers assisted with fire size on the Little Calf fire in the Danaher area on the Flathead National Forest.
Fire Update: Warm and dry conditions are expected today as a high pressure builds over the region. Minimum relative humidities are expected to drop to the low teens, although surface winds will remain light. Saturdays weather is expected to be gusty with near critical fire weather conditions. Fire managers will be monitoring fire behavior and activity. Helicopters are prepared to make water drops if needed. Structure protection remains in place for Danaher and Basin Cabins. Safety during all operations is our number one priority. Fire managers are prepared to assist with initial attack. Lookouts are staffed.
Recreation Opportunities: While the Benchmark Road is open, the area is closed beginning a half mile west of the road. Numerous trails 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.
Recreationists are reminded of the critical fire weather; be especially careful with campfires and activities in the forest that could ignite a fire.
For more information on these or other wildland fires, and related information visit:
http://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
