Fire Activity Increases on Fool Creek
Incident: Fool Creek Wildland Fire Used for Resource Benefit
Released: 7/12/2007
Contact: Punky Moore Phone: 406-466-3560 or 406-466-2524
Mike Munoz Phone: 406-466-5341 (Rocky Mountain RD Office)
Current size: Approximately 4,400 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. These management actions outlined in the Long Term Implementation Plan vary from taking aggressive actions that will check fire spread or direct the fire into low risk areas to monitoring fire activity.
The fire managers and local Forest Service officials are working with Teton county officials to develop a Population Protection Plan. This plan will be in place, if needed, to ensure a safe and orderly evacuation and structure protection response if necessary.
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: As a precautionary measure water pumps will be activated at Wrong Creek Cabin today. Personnel are staged at both the Gooseberry Cabin and Sabido Cabin on the Flathead NF, clearing trails and providing information to the public regarding access. Structure protection materials are staged at cabins if necessary. As part of contingency plans, personnel are pre-positioning structure protection materials in the Massey Creek Recreation Residence Tract, Teton Pass Ski Area, and West Fork administrative facilities. 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 was active on Wednesday after 1:00 p.m., mainly on the southwest edge of the fire in Open Creek, with some small runs to the east and towards the Continental Divide. Continuing warming and drying weather on Thursday 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. Personnel safety due to numerous snags is also a great concern.
Restrictions & Closures: Several trails have been closed for public safety in the fire area. Additional trail closures were implemented July 11 at midnight. The need for future closures will continue 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.
