Elbow Pass Update 9-4
Incident: Elbow Pass Fire Complex Wildfire
Released: 9/4/2012
Fire Information - Elbow Pass Complex
September 4, 2012 10:00 AM
Incident Team: Type 3 IMT Kyle Inabnit, Brett Witte (T)
Cause: Lightning
Acres: 21,069 acres Containment 0%
Resources: 2 helicopters Total Personnel: 23
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 remains at 21,069 acres; 16,259 acres on the Lewis & Clark National Forest, 4,033 acres on the Flathead National Forest, and 777 acres on the Lolo National Forest. Additionally, fire managers are managing the Falls Point fire on the Lolo National forest, currently 222 acres.
Yesterday's Activities: There continues to be fire activity in the same areas of the fire, generally the south and west perimeter. There was an increase in individual and group tree torching, and small uphill runs caused by the winds. The Infrared photo flight last night showed an increase of 364 acres. Hazard trees were successfully removed from the Green Fork cabin area.
Todays Update: The weather forecast is for more moderate conditions with highs in the upper 60s and 70s and relative humidity 25-35%. Winds will be from the northwest 10-15%. This will result in subdued fire activity with smoke continuing along the south and west perimeter but the potential for fire growth is low. The 14-day outlook is for warmer than normal temperatures although it will be cool with high temperatures the 70s, and dry. Management of this fire will continue until there is heavy precipitation sufficient to essentially end the fire season. For this management, we are transitioning incident commanders today to oversee operations. Structure protection remains in place for Danaher and Basin Cabins. The Incident Commander (IC) will fly the fire to map fire growth and behavior. Fire managers and the helicopters assigned to the fire are prepared for initial attack.
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.
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
