Evening Report From Fool Creek
Incident: Fool Creek Wildland Fire Used for Resource Benefit
Released: 7/16/2007
Contact: Punky Moore Phone: 406-466-3560 or 406-466-2524
Mike Munoz Phone: 406-466-5341 (Rocky Mountain RD Office)
Current size: Approximately 5,430 acres (5,240 acres on the Lewis & Clark NF - 190 acres on the Flathead NF)
Management and Status: The Fool Creek Fire is expected to be a long-term event that will require management until the end of fire season in the fall. Short and long-term management of each fire is dictated by public and firefighter safety concerns, threats to specific resources or values, current and predicted fire behavior, and weather.
Long-term planning for the fire involves using the best available science to predict where and when the fire may approach areas of concern. Management actions are identified and developed that will assist personnel in keeping the fire within predetermined boundaries and away from areas of concern. Alternative courses of action are evaluated based on safety, probable effectiveness, and cost.
Management action points have been reached south of Open Creek. Due to fire activity in this area activities include starting pumps at Wrong Creek Cabin in advance of anticipated fire growth to the south and placing orders for additional resources. 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 43 people are assigned to the fire, including the Fire Use Management Team and District personnel coordinating with the Team. Three helicopters are assigned to the incident and are being utilized for transporting equipment, carrying fire behavior specialists to assess fire activity and dropping water on the fire edge when necessary. Fire managers on the Fool Creek Fire are coordinating with Ahorn Fire personnel to identify operational priorities and share resources when possible. .
Activity: Similar to yesterday, fire activity was slow until the afternoon when thunderstorms passed over the area. Aerial observations Sunday afternoon reported fire torching and moving through the tops of trees to the south across Open Creek. There are some small spot fires immediately east of the fire edge. The extended outlook is for hot, dry and occasional windy conditions that support active burning. At times, smoke will be present in communities from Augusta to Dupuyer.
Special Concerns: A great concern is abundant snags in areas that have already burned and extreme burning conditions exhibited on fires across the region. The weather forecast continues to indicate hot dry conditions and gusty winds with thunderstorms.
Restrictions & Closures: New closures go into effect midnight July 15, 2007. 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.
