Fool Creek Fire Grows to 4,600 Acres
Incident: Fool Creek Wildland Fire Used for Resource Benefit
Released: 7/15/2007
Contact: Punky Moore Phone: 406-466-3560 or 406-466-2524
Mike Munoz Phone: 406-466-5341 (Rocky Mountain RD Office)
Current size: Approximately 4,600acres (4,575 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. According to the Plan, specified actions are taken if fire reaches areas of concern. On Saturday afternoon, isolated thunderstorm activity with minimal precipitation in the general fire vicinity produced strong, gusty winds from the north which increased fire activity to the south.
Management action points have been reached south of Open Creek. Due to fire activity in this area today's activities include starting pumps at Wrong Creek Cabin in advance of anticipated fire growth to the south and closing additional trails south and east of Wrong Creek Cabin. Other actions will be taken if fire reaches additional areas of concern identified in the Long Term Implementation Plan.
The first priority on this and all fires is firefighter and public safety. A primary firefighter safety principle is LCES- Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes and Safety Zones. To ensure clear radio communications, personnel have installed a radio repeater on Mt. Wright. This provides dedicated radio frequencies for the Fool Creek Fire. It also reduces congested radio traffic on the regular Forest Service District frequencies.
The Rocky Mountain Ranger District, Spotted Bear Ranger District and the Northern Rockies Fire Use Management Team work closely whenever it is necessary to close trails for public safety. This coordination involves signing trails in a timely manner, ensuring public is off closed trails and providing current information to backcountry visitors. Hikers and packers should call the Rocky Mountain Ranger District Office or the Spotted Bear Ranger District for more information.
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. 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: Fire activity was slow until Saturday afternoon when thunderstorms passed over the area. Aerial observations Saturday afternoon reported short duration crown runs to the south across Open Creek with some torching and spotting out in front of the fire. There are some small spot fires immediately east of the fire edge.
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. The weather forecast continues to indicate hot dry conditions and gusty winds with thunderstorms.
Restrictions & Closures: Existing trail closures were assessed after today's fire activity and new closures are pending. 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 trail closure information and maps, refer 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.
