Proceeding According to Plan on Fool Creek Fire
Incident: Fool Creek Wildland Fire Used for Resource Benefit
Released: 7/14/2007
Contact: Punky Moore Phone: 406-466-3560 or 406-466-2524
Mike Munoz Phone: 406-466-5341 (Rocky Mountain RD Office)
Current size: Approximately 4,500 acres (4,475 acres on the Lewis & Clark NF - 25 acres on the Flathead NF)
Management and Status: The management of this incident is being guided by a comprehensive Long Term Implementation Plan developed for the Lewis & Clark and Flathead National Forests. The Long Term Plan identifies actions that will be taken to keep fire within a specified area called a maximum management area, (MMA) to provide for public and firefighter safety and to protect structures. The 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.
One management action point has been reached in the McDonald Creek area which calls for constraining the spread of the fire east toward the wilderness boundary on the Lewis & Clark National Forest. Helicopters are being utilized to achieve this objective. Other actions will be taken if fire reaches areas of concern identified in the Plan.
At times, smoke is present in the backcountry. Smoke is generally clearing about mid-day on both sides of the Continental Divide. A Montana Department of Environmental Quality air quality monitoring station is installed in Choteau to measure smoke from the fire.
Personnel/Resources on the Fire: Personnel are staged at the Gooseberry Cabin and Sabido Cabin on the Flathead NF and Gates Park on the Lewis and Clark NF. There is a temporary flight restriction (TFR) in place in a 5 mile radius around the fire providing information to the public regarding access. Structure protection materials are in place at these cabins. A total of 44 people are assigned to the fire, including the Fire Use Management Team and District personnel coordinating with the Team.
Activity: There was very little growth on the fire Saturday. However, fire activity is expected to increase due to possible thunderstorms and strong gusty winds.
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. The need for future closures will continue to be evaluated. There is a temporary flight restriction (TFR) in place in a 10 mile radius around the fire. For more information, call the Rocky Mountain Ranger District Office at 406-466-5341 or the Spotted Bear Ranger District Officeat 406-758-5376
