Fact Sheet #1
Incident: Fool Creek Wildland Fire Used for Resource Benefit
Released: 7/5/2007
Contact: Rocky Mountain Ranger District Office
Mike Muņoz Phone: 406-466-5341
Current size: 50 acres (estimated by flight at 1:30 p.m. July 5, 2007)
History: The fire was detected by Beartop Lookout on the afternoon of July 4, 2007. Lightning maps show that a number of strikes occurred in the area on June 28, 2007.
Management and Status: Analysis of the fire was carried out the evening of July 4 and the fire was put in Wildland Fire Use status. Wildland Fire Use is the management of naturally ignited fires to achieve resource benefits, where fire is a major component of the ecosystem. The decision was based on location and terrain, probability of spread, potential risk to life, safety and property, and potential risk to resource values. The fire is burning within the Bob Marshall Wilderness in an area of heavy, continuous timber and relatively little access. Safety zones and escape routes for ground personnel are nonexistent, while threats to social, natural, and cultural resources are minimal. Additional analysis will be carried out to identify long term plans and contingencies, including potential management points and actions. The fire is being monitored by Beartop Lookout and by helicopter and fixed wing flights.
Activity: The fire is burning in dense heavy timber with extensive deadfall. On July 4 some stand-replacement fire occurred (completely burning some stands of timber). During the evening and well into the night of July 4-5 there was some individual and group tree torching as well as active fire on the ground. The fire is expected to be very active today with predicted high temperatures, low humidity, and possible gusty winds. Active burning is likely to begin by early afternoon and persist well into the night.
Special Concerns: A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for the Rocky Mountain Front due to hot temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds predicted for the afternoon and evening. All visitors to the Forest are urged to be extremely careful with fire. All campfires must be fully extinguished before departing the area.
Restrictions & Closures: Several trails have been closed for public safety in the fire area:
- North Fork Sun River Trail (#110) from the junction with Route Creek Trail (#108) to Sun River Pass
- Open Fork Trail (#116) in its entirety
- Monroe Creek Trail (#188) in its entirety
- Wrong Ridge Trail (#187) in its entirety
- Washboard Reef Trail (#117) from the Wilderness boundary to junction with Trail #108
- Sun River Pass Trail (Flathead NF) from Sun River Pass north to junction with Bowl Creek Trail (FNF #324) at Grizzly Park
An alternate route for Continental Divide National Scenic Trail users has been established; please contact the Rocky Mountain Ranger District or the Spotted Bear Ranger District, Flathead NF (406) 758-5376 for details.
For more information on Wildland Fire Use, go to http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/fireuse/wildland fire use
