Fool Creek Trail Closures
Incident: Fool Creek Wildland Fire Used for Resource Benefit
Released: 7/7/2007
Contact: Rocky Mountain Ranger District Office
Mike Muņoz or Wendy Maples Phone: 406-466-5341
Current size: Approximately 2000 acres (estimated by flight at 9:00 p.m. July 5, 2007)
Management and Status: This fire is being managed to achieve resource benefits and minimize risk to firefighters in an area where fire is a major component of the ecosystem. The fire is burning within the Bob Marshall Wilderness in an area of continuous timber and relatively little access. Safety zones and escape routes for ground personnel are nonexistent and aerial firefighting tactics would be ineffective with existing fuel types and fire behavior. Meanwhile, threats to social, natural, and cultural resources are minimal. A Fire Use Management Team, along with personnel from the Flathead National Forest is arriving today to assist with development of long term plans that include potential management points and actions. The fire is being monitored by Beartop Lookout and by helicopter and fixed wing flights.
Personnel/Resources on the Fire: A crew of 6 was flown to Wrong Creek Cabin yesterday to wrap the cabin and establish hose line for protection of the structure. They will be flown out today, and a Flathead NF crew will be flown to Gooseberry Cabin on the Flathead NF to complete similar protection for that cabin. A Type 2 helicopter has been assigned to transport crews and equipment, assist with reconnaissance, and for potential water drops if needed. One light airplane has been assigned to the fire for reconnaissance and for patrols over the entire Ranger District.
Activity: The fire is burning in continuous timber with extensive deadfall. The fire is expected to be very active today beginning in early afternoon with predicted high temperatures, low humidity, and possible gusty winds. Crown fire (fire carried rapidly through treetops and branches rather than along the ground) was observed the afternoon and evening of July 5 and is expected to occur again today.
History: The fire was started by a lightning strike on June 28 but was not detected until the afternoon of July 4, 2007. It grew from an estimated 5 acres the evening of July 4 to approximately 50 acres by early afternoon July 5. On July 5 the fire moved east to the base of Porphyry Ridge and north toward the Continental Divide and into the Basin Creek drainage of the Flathead National Forest, growing to an approximate 2000 acres by late evening.
Special Concerns: A Red Flag warning is in effect for the Rocky Mountain Front due to hot temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds predicted through the evening of July 6. 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: Lewis and Clark NF Trails: 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; Flathead NF Trails: Sun River Pass, Bowl Creek (#324), Mount May (#256), Mount May-Trail Creek Connector (#479). 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.
