Fact Sheet Sept. 11
Incident: Ahorn Wildland Fire
Released: 9/11/2007
Quick Fire Facts
Location
30 miles west of Augusta, Montana
Approximate Size
52,109 - 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, 6 helicopters (assigned to both Ahorn and Fool Creek)
Total Personnel
151
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: Calm weather conditions allowed crews to continue building line and mopping up hot spots in the Leavitt and Furman areas. Fire managers identified safety zones in Hoadley Creek so crews can begin securing hot spots. Trails located in the burn area were reviewed for access. Patrol and structure protection work continued. Improved mapping resulted in a reduction in acres.
Weather and Fire Behavior forecast for today: Warm and dry conditions will bring temperatures up to 70 degrees in most areas. Winds will increase to 15 mph with gust from 20-30mph. Humidities will range from 15-25% below 7,500 feet and 20-30% above 7,500 feet.
Today's Planned Actions: Crews will work on hot spots and mop up in the Hoadley, Furman and Leavitt Creek areas. 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: A public briefing for the Ahorn Fire will be Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 7:30 pm at the Youth Center in Augusta. Fire information and area closure revisions will be discussed.
