Wedge Canyon Complex

News Release - July 30, 2003 at 7am

Incident Information Contacts:
(406)755-3910 (voice) and (406)755-3931 (fax)

Fact Sheet 12

Contact: Flathead National Forest, Supervisor’s Office 406.758.5252,

Wedge Fire Information ICP 801.413.0525 www.fs.fed.us/r5/fire/ciimt5/ac

What: Wildfire, lightning-caused

Started: July 18, 2003 reported 1:25 P.M.

Location: About 20 miles east of Eureka. Montana, and 6 miles south of the Canadian border, primarily in the Teepee Creek drainage of the North Fork Flathead River.

Legal Description: Portions of T36N, R22W and 23W

Current Size: Approximately 20,500acres

Containment: 20%

Estimated Containment Date: Unknown

Threats to Human Life/Safety: Whale Creek Residents along the North Fork Road, and Trail Creek Residents (approximately 50 homes/cabins).

Resources Threatened: Timber, Recreation, Fisheries, Class 1 Airshed, Wild & Scenic River Corridor and Private Property.

Injuries in the last 24 hours: One transport due to a bee sting.

Jurisdiction: USDA Forest Service (Flathead National Forest), Flathead County Fire Protection District

Other Cooperating Agencies: Montana DNRC, BIA, BLM, NPS, and Glacier National Park

Resources on Fire: 26 hand crews, 4 helicopter, 68 engines, 9 dozers, 14 water tenders, 4 feller bunchers, 6 skidders, 1 excavator, numerous support and overhead for a total of approximately 1,025 personnel.

Remarks: To date: 6 houses/cabins and 23 outbuildings were lost, and 1 house/cabin damaged.

Crews are working to hold constructed line as high temperatures ad low humidity’s cause active fire behavior. Preparations continue for a burn-out early this evening in Division A to slow the fire as it moves to the N/NE towards lower Trail Creek area.
Approximately 60,000 gallons of retardant is anticipated for support in suppression efforts. Crews will be increased on the North side of the fire in Divisions C & D to hold existing line and construct new line.
The British Columbia Forestry has prepared a contingency plan in conjunction with Flathead County for the evacuation of North Fork residents in case of an emergency.

Community meetings at 10:00 A.M. and 8:30 P.M. at Polebridge.

Wedge Canyon Fire will participate in the 7:00 P.M. Public Meeting at Columbia Falls Junior H.S.

Glacier National Park
P.O. Box 128
West Glacier, MT 59936
(406)888-7800
(406)888-7808 - FAX
(406)888-7806 - TDD

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Flathead National Forest
1935 3^rd Avenue, East
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406)758-5200
(406)758-5363 - FAX)
(406)758-5367 - TDD)

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