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Wedge Canyon Complex |
7:30 AM Friday, August 29, 2003
On Thursday, an inversion stayed in place through late afternoon and winds from the north/northwest picked up slightly after that. The southeastern portion of the fire spread within Glacier NP, to include spotting over Akokala Creek at the junction of the old Red Bench fire burn (1988). The spot burned about 10 acres, but was contained by the end of the shift. No significant growth was seen in the northwest portion of the fire near Trail Creek, the fire continued to back down slopes in the area as it has for some time now.
Aircraft were able to fly in the afternoon and make water drops, and aircraft will continue to be on board for today’s operations. Crews continue to work on building and strengthening containment lines which connect the meadows and tie lines into the old Red Bench burn perimeter. Mop-up and patrol are on-going in all areas of the fire.
Today, the morning is cold and humid. Moderate humidity and lower temps are expected today, with winds from the northeast at 2-4 mph predicted for ridges and southeast winds 2-7 mph for slopes and valleys. All in all, an improved forecast for fighting fire. Main objectives for crews today is to hold the fire at Akokala Creek in GNP, as well as to connect dozer line and established hand line in the northwest portion of the fire.
| CURRENT SIZE: 46,126 acres |
CONTAINMENT: 66% |
| 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: 8 hand crews, 7 helicopters, 26 engines, 2 dozers and 17 water tenders. Equipment used as needed includes feller/bunchers, skidders and excavators. Approximately 476 fire personnel including fire crews, line support and overhead staff are working on the fire.
COST TO DATE: $26,700,000
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Flathead National Forest |
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