Ahorn Fact Sheet September 8, 2007
Incident: Ahorn Wildland Fire
Released: 9/7/2007
Quick Fire Facts
Location
30 miles west of Augusta, Montana
Approximate Size
52,154 - Approximately 81+ square miles
Increase since last update
No new growth on the fires edge
Fire Containment
20%
Start Date
July 11
Cause
Lightning
Incident Commander
Bill Cowin
Resources on the Fire
13 engines, 8 Water Tenders, 5 helicopters (assigned to both Ahorn and Fool Creek)
Total Personnel
137
Est. Containment Date
Unknown
Cooperating Agencies
BLM, Lewis and Clark County, Teton County, MT DNRC, MT Dept of Fish, Wildlife & Parks, DoD
Landowners
Lewis and Clark National Forest
Restrictions
Pre-evacuations remain in place for the Gibson Reservoir. Stoner and Benchmark areas are under full evacuation orders. The Benchmark airstrip remains closed due to the continued threat from the Ahorn Fire. Closures and Stage II fire restrictions are in effect for the Rocky Mountain Ranger District
Yesterday's Activities: Lower temperatures resulted in a decrease in fire activity. Infrared detection was used last night and scattered hot spots were found in the Furman Creek burnout area. Helicopters were used to drop water above Gibson Reservoir to cool hot spots. Crews patrolled the Benchmark area and continued to work on structure protection.
Weather and Fire Behavior forecast for today: Increasing clouds or cloudy with a chance of showers in the afternoon. Temperatures of 52 to 62 are forecasted below 7500 feet, and 42 to 52 above 7500 feet. Humidity should range from 30-40 in lower elevations and 40-50% above 7500 feet. Winds are expected to be east to northeast 10 mph.
Today's Planned Actions: Plans for today remain unchanged from yesterday. Mop up operations will continue in the Trail 261 burnout area. Ground resources will continue with structure protection in Benchmark, Sun River and Stoner Place areas.
Special Notices, Restrictions and Closures: The Sun River, Ear Mountain and Blackleaf State Wildlife Management Areas are closed. The Rocky Mountain Ranger District Closures, which include the Bob Marshall Wilderness east of the Continental Divide, remain in effect. Currently, private property owners in Mortimer Gulch have access to their deeded residences. The general public may not access Forest land within the Fire Area Closure boundaries.
Stage II fire restrictions are in effect.
Public Meeting: There will be a public Ahorn Fire briefing today, September 8, 2007 at the Youth Center in Augusta. (Previous ICP location) The meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m.
