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Wedge Canyon Complex |
7:30 AM Sunday, August 31, 2003
The Wedge fire was quiet yesterday as crews continue to work active fire lines, improving them and mopping up. Where the fire line is well established, crews are patrolling, mopping up and watching for the fire to reburn the area.
The weather continues to hinder fire-fighting efforts. A high pressure system over the area is preventing an inversion from lifting, keeping smoke in the area and crews from implementing the planned burn out operations east of the North Fork of the Flat Head River until mid afternoon.
There are 16 engines and crews assigned to the task of protecting the residences in the area.
A high-pressure along the west coast is expected to move into the area over the next couple of days. A weak system tomorrow afternoon is expected to increase winds but it will not bring precipitation. The current weather pattern is expected to return to normal Monday. Dry weather is expected through the early part of the week.
A small Australian contingent arrived August 30, 2003, PM, to assist in fire suppression efforts.
The North Fork of the Flathead River from Polebridge to the Big Creek river access will be open to rafting beginning at 10:00 AM.
At 6:00 PM today, the Southern Idaho Incident Management team, under the command of Merrill Saleen, will replace Ken Paul’s ORCA (Oregon/California) team for the continuing management of the fire.
| CURRENT SIZE: 48,763 acres |
CONTAINMENT: 73% |
| WHAT: Wildfire, lightning-caused |
ESTIMATED CONTAINMENT DATE: 9/15/03 |
STARTED: July 18, 2003, reported at 1:25 P.M.
LOCATION: About 42 miles north of Columbia Falls, Montana, and 6 miles south of the Canadian border, primarily in the Tepee Creek drainage of the North Fork Flathead River.
Legal Description: Portions 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 and property, Timber, Recreation, Fisheries, Wild & Scenic River Corridor.
INJURIES IN THE LAST 24 HOURS: 0
STRUCTURES: 7 houses/cabins and 29 outbuildings were lost, and 1 house/cabin damaged.
RESOURCES: 11 hand crews, 6 helicopters, 27 engines, 3 dozers and 22 water tenders. Equipment used as needed includes feller/bunchers, skidders and excavators. Approximately 210 line, support and overhead personnel.
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Flathead National Forest |