Incident: Madison Arm
Released: 7/10/2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Note, this will be
the last release unless significant activity occurs. Date: July 9, 2007
Contact: Hebgen Lake Ranger District Phone: 406-823-6961
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. Firefighters continue to search for hotspots and rehabilitate dozer lines. Some resources are being demobilized or sent to other fires. The Madison Arm Road between Highway 191 and the Madison Arm Resort remains closed to the public as part of the fire area closure. Large dust whirls may be visible in the burned area.
Now that the primary danger from this wildfire is past, a review of "what might have happened" is in order. Quick and effective action by initial attack firefighters prevented the fire from running west into the Madison Arm Resort/homeowners area and from spotting over the Arm into the Horse Butte area. However, in reality the situation could have been far different. The fire could easily have reached those areas, and likely would have burned a number of cabins and residences. With hotter dryer weather forecast and more fires probable, homeowners who live in the "wild land/urban interface" should consider steps they can take to protect their property and make it more defensible.
As a first step, anyone considering building or remodeling should use fire resistant materials such as asphalt shingles or metal roofing, and cement board or stucco siding. When selecting a construction site, level areas away from slopes or gullies are preferable, since fire moves more rapidly uphill. A driveway should be wide enough for fire engines (at least 12 feet, with 15 feet of vertical clearance) and have enough room to turn around. It should also be well maintained and marked.
Landscaping for fire safety requires considerations of distance and flammability. For example, a 30-foot zone should be maintained around the home that is either irrigated or planted with low flammability species. This also provides room for fire suppression equipment to work if necessary. Beyond this zone, to at least 100 feet, trees and vegetation should be selectively thinned, "ladder fuels" trimmed and fuel breaks such as driveways or walkways considered.
On new or existing homes, maintenance is critical to fire safety. Trees and shrubs should be properly pruned, grass cut, leaves and pine needles raked, and firewood and building materials stored away from the house.
A great deal of homeowner/wildfire safety information and assistance is available from local, state and federal firefighting agencies, and on the web at http://www.firewise.org/. Do it now, before the next smoke shows up on the horizon.
*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: The Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in effect for the Hebgen Lake Ranger District prohibit all campfires and limit smoking areas and chainsaw use.
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.
