Fact Sheet Sept. 10
Incident: Ahorn Wildland Fire
Released: 9/10/2007
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
155
Est. Containment Date
9/20/07
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: Wetting rain of 0.4 inch was reported Saturday night near Gibson Reservoir. With the calm conditions, crews were able to build line around several spots that were previously identified in Leavitt Creek and Furman Creek. Fire managers scouted Hoadley Creek for opportunities to safely put crews in the area to begin containment efforts. Patrol and structure protection work continued.
Weather and Fire Behavior forecast for today: Mostly sunny conditions will warm temperatures to 70- 75 below 7,500 feet and 60-70 above 7,500 feet. Minimum humidities will likely range from 15-25% below 7,500 feet and 25-35% above 7,500 feet. Winds are expected to be west to northwest at 15 to 20 mph.
Today's Planned Actions: Crews will hike into Hoadley Creek and Leavitt Creek to build line around hot spots and begin mop up activities. 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 portions of 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 The next public briefing for the Ahorn Fire will be Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 7:30 pm at the Youth Center in Augusta.
