Tuesday's Update on Fool Creek
Incident: Fool Creek Wildland Fire Used for Resource Benefit
Released: 7/17/2007
Contact: Punky Moore Phone: 406-466-3560 or 406-466-2524
Mike MunozPhone: 406-466-5341 (Rocky Mtn RD Office)
Current size: Approximately 5,930 acres (5,706 acres on the Lewis & Clark NF - 224 acres on the Flathead NF)
Management and Status: The Fool Creek Fire continues to be managed as a long term event that requires a combination of sound planning, patience and ability to adapt to changing conditions in order to achieve fire objectives while first and foremost, providing for firefighter and public safety. Fire managers assess fire activity and fire behavior daily to determine what actions will be taken on the fire.
Fire has reached areas in the Monroe Creek and Open Creek drainages that precipitate the need to take certain actions. These activities include dropping water on hot spots, running pumps at Wrong Creek Cabin in advance of anticipated fire growth to the south and assigning additional resources to structure protection in the West Fork area. Other actions will be taken if fire reaches additional areas of concern identified in the Long Term Implementation Plan that has been developed and approved for this incident.
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 42 people are assigned to the fire, including the Fire Use Management Team and District personnel coordinating with the Team. Two 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. A fixed wing airplane is being used for fire reconnaissance. Fire managers on the Fool Creek Fire are coordinating with Ahorn Fire personnel to identify operational priorities and share resources when possible.
Activity: The fire moved in several directions on Monday, growing to approximately 5,930 acres. The fire moved east and south in Monroe Creek and Wrong Creek drainages and north across Basin Creek. Hot, dry and windy conditions are supporting active burning; however there may be a short break in the weather today if the fire receives predicted precipitation.
At times, smoke will be present in communities from Augusta to Dupuyer; however, smoke generally clears mid-day and to date has not reached unhealthy levels. A Montana Department of Environmental Quality monitoring station is located outside of Choteau to measure air quality. The information from the station is used to notify the public of conditions throughout the day. Fire managers recognize the effects on the local community with regard to the long-term management of this incident and appreciate the support shown to all personnel assigned to the Fool Creek Fire.
For more information on air quality, go to http://www.satguard.com/usfs, link to Real Time Data and Unit 90.
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 extended weather forecast indicates hot dry conditions and gusty winds with thunderstorms will continue.
Restrictions & Closures: Area 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 tothe Flathead 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.
