Fire Use Management Team and Rocky Mountain Ranger
Incident: Fool Creek Wildland Fire Used for Resource Benefit
Released: 7/11/2007
Contact: Punky Moore Phone: 406-466-3560 or 406-466-2524
Mike Munoz Phone: 406-466-5341 (Rocky Mountain RD Office)
Current size: Approximately 4,200 acres
Management and Status: A Northern Rockies Fire Use Management Team, in cooperation with Rocky Mountain Ranger District and Flathead National Forest personnel, is implementing a short term management plan and working on a long term management plan for the Fool Creek Fire. The Long Term Implementation Plan will guide management actions throughout the duration of the incident.
Fire managers are using new tools that assist fire managers and agency administrators make sound decisions regarding strategies and tactics on wildland fires. One of these tools is FSPro for Fire Spread Probability. FSPro utilizes the range of possible weather scenarios to simulate many different fire seasons. Then, it predicts how the fire will burn. A Fire Behavior Analyst uses the information provided from this model to help identify the appropriate management responses that will be taken if fire reaches areas of concern. These management actions outlined in the Long Term Implementation Plan vary from monitoring to taking aggressive actions that will check fire spread or direct the fire into low risk areas.
Firefighter and public safety and risks to resources and values, such as potential threats to structures or important recreation sites are the primary focus in the development of the Long Term Implementation Plan. The Fire Use Management Team is working closely with the Lewis & Clark National Forest, Flathead National Forest, Teton County Sheriff's Office, Teton County Rural Volunteer Fire Department and Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation in the management of the Fool Creek Fire.
Personnel/Resources on the Fire: The Lewis and Clark Fire Use Module is completing their structure protection and trail clearing assignment at Wrong Creek Cabin today. Personnel are staged at Gooseberry Cabin on the Flathead NF, performing trail work and providing information to the public regarding access and recreation opportunities. Another group is implementing structure protection at Sabido Cabin, also on the Flathead NF. As part of contingency plans, personnel will be working in the Massey Creek Recreation Residence Tract and Teton Pass Ski Area to assess structure protection needs. Helicopters will be assisting with reconnaissance, dropping water on the south and east of the fire and when necessary transporting crews and equipment. A total of 43 people are assigned to the fire, including the Fire Use Management Team and District personnel coordinating with the Team.
Activity: Fire activity was minimal on Tuesday; however, fire managers are expecting higher temperatures across the region by the end of the week. The predicted warming and drying trend is expected to increase fire behavior with torching and spotting out in front of the fire.
Special Concerns: Strict protocols are being followed to minimize the risk of introducing nuisance species such as noxious weeds and aquatic diseases as a result of fire management operations. Safety of personnel due to extreme burning conditions exhibited on fires across the region.
Restrictions & Closures: Several trails have been closed for public safety in the fire area. Additional trail closures will be implemented on July 11 at midnight. The need for future closures in the fire area continues to be evaluated. For trail closure informationrefer to theFlathead National Forest website (http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/flathead) or contact the Rocky Mountain Ranger District Office (406) 466-5341 or the Spotted Bear Ranger District Office (406)758-5376.
