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Fact Sheet 40
7:30 AM, Tuesday, August 26, 2003
FIRE UPDATE
The Wedge Canyon fire had active burning on the unlined,
southeastern corner of the fire referred to as “Division W” on Monday.
The fire is doing what it was expected to do which is to burn in a southern
and eastern direction. Monday’s column of smoke was the result of 1,300
acres burning both sides of the Long Bow drainage. Fire line personnel
are unable to attack the fire directly in this area because of the consistent
dense vegetation and steep terrain. Hand crews continue to build line
south from yesterday’s burnout near Mud Creek. They are taking advantage
of moist meadows, old burns where the vegetation canopy is not as thick,
and other natural barriers to have a better chance of containing the fire.
Active burning was also fought off the south end of Kintla Lake where
the fire had previously burned “dirty,” another word for spotty or not
totally consuming the vegetation.
The area south of Trail Creek Road had moderate burning. The fire in
this area had previously been slowly backing downhill over the last few
days in an area of steep slopes and closed canopy older growth vegetation.
Fire crews are working at improving and placing new indirect containment
lines using changes in vegetation and terrain as possible. Sprinkler
systems are in place and continue to be used along Trail Creek.
Although lined, the rest of the fire continues to be patrolled and with
crews mopping-up hot spots as they are found adjacent to the perimeter
line and homes.
Tuesday’s “Red Flag” warning for strong west or south west winds will
test fire fighters line building efforts. Fire fighters are reviewing
safety concerns on the line in regard to the potential “extreme fire beavior”.
Although the North Fork Road is open, motorists are encouraged to “Drive
With Care”! The road continues to have heavy fire equipment usage as
it moves from one portion of the Wedge Canyon Incident to another.
Informational meetings for local residence and interested public continue
to be held nightly at the Polebridge Mercantile, 8:00 PM. Twenty to thirty
people normally attend.
| CURRENT SIZE: 44,441 acres |
CONTAINMENT: 62% |
| WHAT: Wildfire, lightning-caused |
ESTIMATED CONTAINMENT DATE: 9/15/03 |
STARTED: July 18, 2003, reported at 1:25 P.M. Lightning
LOCATION: 42 miles north of Columbia Falls, MT; 6 miles south
of the Canadian border, primarily in the Tepee Creek drainage of the North
Fork Flathead River. Legal
Description: Parts of
T36N, T37N, R22W and R23W
THREATS TO HUMAN LIFE/SAFETY: Whale Creek residents along
the North Fork Road, Trail Creek residents (approximately 100 homes/cabins),
historic buildings, and Kintla Campground.
RESOURCES THREATENED: Private
homes & property, Timber, Recreation, Fisheries, Wild & Scenic
River
INJURIES IN THE LAST 24 HOURS: 0
STRUCTURES: 7 houses/cabins
and 29 outbuildings were lost, and 1 house/cabin damaged.
RESOURCES: 6 hand crews,
4 helicopters, 19 engines, no dozers and 17 water tenders. Equipment used
as needed includes feller/bunchers, skidders and excavators. Approximately
433 line, support and overhead personnel are working on the fire.
CONTACTS
- Wedge Canyon Fire Incident Command Information: 801-413-0525
- Wedge Canyon Fire web site: www.fs.fed.us/r5/fire/ciimt5/ac/
- Joint Information Center for all fires within Glacier N.P. and Flathead
N.F: 406-755-3910
- Northern Rockies Regional Fire Information: 1-800-781-2811
Earlier News
Releases:
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Wedge
Canyon Complex