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Date & Time Fact Sheet 54 |
Wedge Canyon FireContact: |
What: Wildfire / Lightning cause
Started: July 18, 2003 13:25
General Location: About 42 miles north of Columbia Falls, Montana, and 6 miles south of the Canadian border.
Current Size: Approx. 52,974 acres.
Containment: 87%
Estimated Containment Date: 9-15-03 18:00
Estimated Control: Unknown
Rain Brings Relief To Fire Fighters and Residents
September 9, 2003 - Long awaited rains finally arrived on the Wedge Fire Monday bringing a sigh of relief to weary fire fighters and local residents. With 3 tenths of an inch of rain, the prediction of cooler temperatures and chance of more showers on the way, fire managers are optimistic that summer's extreme conditions have come to an end. Residents in the Teepee Lake, Trail Creek, North Fork Road and Bowman Lake areas are breathing a long anticipated sigh of relief.
For crews, the battle continues as fire line rehabilitation efforts are now in full swing. Miles of hose line will be carried off the fire line, while hazard trees will be felled and removed from the road system. Mop up operations will continue within 100 feet of all controlled fire perimeter where accessible. Efforts will be made to reduce or eliminate erosion and sedimentation that could result from fire suppression activities such as fire lines, dozer lines, reopened roads and other disturbed areas.
Specialists from the Flathead National Forest and Glacier National Park have identified the rehabilitation objectives within the fire area, which include an evaluation of the area for potential risks to life and property as well as natural and cultural resources. These assessments will evaluate the potential loss of valuable resources resulting from increases in water runoff, risk of erosion, sedimentation, and invasive plant species.
The Northeast corner of the fire in the Kintla Lake basin was the only area with light fire spread on Monday. Aggressive fire suppression action will continue to prevent the fire from spreading into Canada. Mop up activities are ongoing in all remaining divisions along with structure protection patrols.
"We hope to complete the majority of the mop up and rehabilitation efforts by Saturday", said Merrill Saleen, Incident Commander.
Safety of fire fighting personnel and public is of the highest priority.
Injuries: 25 to date / 0 today
Jurisdiction: Flathead National Forest, Glacier National Park and Flathead County.
Other Cooperating Agencies: Montana DNRC, BIA and BLM
Resources on the fire: 561 total personnel / 7 helicopters, 13 crews, 23 engines, and 9 water tenders.
Roads: Tuesday-September 9, North Fork Road will be open from Big Creek to Sonderson Meadow.
Remarks: To date: 7 houses/cabins, 29 outbuildings were lost and 1 house/cabin damaged. (July 26 and July 31, 2003.)
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