Incident: Madison Arm
Released: 7/6/2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: July 6, 2007
Contact: Steve Till Phone: 406-823-6962
Fire Name: Madison Arm Fire Start: June 27, 2007
Cause: Human Total Acres: 3,660 acres
Percent Containment: 100% Structures Lost: 0
Fire History: The Madison Arm Fire is located two miles north of West Yellowstone on the Hebgen Lake Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest. The fire started on June 27, 2007 from an undetermined human cause and remains under investigation. The fire size is estimated at 3,660 acres.
Today's Operations: As of 6:00 am, Thursday, the Hebgen Lake RD resumed responsibility for management of this fire, utilizing a Type III overhead team. The team will manage the continued mop up and patrol on divisions. A grader and two water tenders will also be working on the Madison Arm Road between Highway 20 and the Madison Arm Resort. Motorists should slow down and use caution due to this operation and other fire traffic. Large dust whorls may be visible in the burned area.
Personnel on Fire: There are approximately 90 personnel assigned to the incident at this time.
Equipment on Fire: one helicopter, 10 engines, one grader, two water tenders.
Closures: The fire area closure remains in effect, which includes the Madison Arm Road between Highway 191 and the Madison Arm Resort. All campgrounds, residential cabin areas and the Madison Arm Resort are open. The Resort may be accessed via Highway 20.
*Special Note: The western gateway to Yellowstone National Park through West Yellowstone is open. Yellowstone National Park and West Yellowstone Montana businesses and facilities are open.
Fire Weather: Sunny and warm with temperatures in the 80s. Winds will be light and variable, with isolated thunderstorms this afternoon. Note: areas to the north and west are under red flag fire warnings today.
Special Remarks: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect for the Hebgen Lake Ranger District. The Stage 2 Restrictions prohibit all campfires and limits smoking areas and chainsaw use. During the last few days, the District has rolled their initial attack forces on several small fire starts, at least one of which was caused by an illegal campfire. Forest visitors should realize that the very hot and dry conditions can make any small start into a raging wildfire. Anyone convicted of starting a fire due to noncompliance with the Restrictions can be held liable for suppression costs.
Folks can also check out the Inciweb site at http://www.inciweb.org/ , www.bozeman.net/des , or the Gallatin National Forest website, www.fs.fed.us/r1/gallatin, for more information.
###
