Incident: Madison Arm
Released: 7/7/2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: July 7, 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
The Madison Arm Fire is located two miles north of West Yellowstone on the Hebgen Lake Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest. In order to insure public and firefighter safety, work is continuing within the fire area. Today, five engines and a hand crew will be searching for hotspots and rehabilitating dozer lines. A grader and two water tenders will work on the Madison Arm Road between Highway 191 and the Madison Arm Resort. This section of road is closed to the public as part of the fire area closure. Large dust whirls may be visible in the burned area.
At some point after the crews complete their work, the area will be reopened to the public. However, even though the fire is contained, the area still contains many hazards. Most obvious are the standing dead trees. The fire weakens both the trunk structure and the roots, so that wind or snow loading can bring the trees down unexpectedly. Even trees within the fire perimeter that appear green may have weakened roots. Crews will fall the trees near roads and in shore-side recreation areas. But forest users should avoid other areas where trees are still standing. Even experienced firefighters have been killed by falling trees. A season of wind and moisture will eventually bring the weakest trees down, although any tree in a burned area has the potential to come down at any time.
Another serious hazard involves stump holes. In severely burned areas, the entire tree may be consumed, including most of the root structure. The resulting hole often fills with ash, leaving a dangerous trap for an unwary walker. Partially burned limbs and roots may also be covered by ash, with similar results. Seasons of moisture and wind eventually settle the ash, revealing the hazards.
*Special Notes: The western gateway to Yellowstone National Park through West Yellowstone is open. Yellowstone National Park and West Yellowstone Montana businesses and facilities are open. All campgrounds, residences and the Madison Arm Resort are open in the Madison Arm area. The Resort may accessed via Highway 20.
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.
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