Fact Sheet Sept. 12
Incident: Ahorn Wildland Fire
Released: 9/12/2007
Quick Fire Facts
Location
30 miles west of Augusta, Montana
Approximate Size
52,109 acres/ 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, 7 helicopters (assigned to both Ahorn and Fool Creek)
Total Personnel
150
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: Warm and dry conditions caused the fire to make short runs in Hoadley Creek. Fire managers continued to scout Hoadley for access. Work continued on building line and mopping hot spots in the Leavitt and Furman areas. Trails located in the burn area were reviewed for access. Patrol and structure protection work continued.
Weather and Fire Behavior forecast for today: Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of showers in the afternoon. Temperatures will range from 55-65 below 7,500 feet and 50-60 above 7,500 feet. Winds will be from the west-northwest 15-20 mph, gusting to 25mph. Humidities will range from 30-40% below 7,500 feet and 25-35% above 7,500 feet.
Today's Planned Actions: Crews will continue to mop spots in Leavitt and Furman Creek. Fire managers will monitor Hoadley Creek and make water drops as needed. Ground resources will begin pulling pumps and hoses in Sun Valley and Benchmark 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 in the Rocky Mountain Ranger District outside the wilderness. Stage I restrictions remain in effect within the wilderness.
Public Meeting: Forest closure revisions will be discussed at a public briefing Thursday, September 13, 2007 at 7:00 pm at the Choteau Pavilion in Choteau. Thirty members of the public attended the public briefing last night in Augusta.
