Eureka area trails reopened
Camp 32 & Gibralter Ridge fire news update
August 17, 2005
Three trails on the Fortine Ranger District, which were closed due to the Gibralter Ridge fire, have been reopened, according to fire officials for the Kootenai National Forest. The Therriault Pass (#87), Gibralter Ridge (#335), and Cat Creek (#333) trails were reopened on Wednesday, August 17th.
There has been no change in the status of the Camp 32 and Gibralter Ridge Fires since Friday, August 12, according to the Rexford Ranger District. Both fires are 100% contained. Management of the Camp 32 Fire has been turned over to the Rexford Ranger District. The Gibralter Ridge Fire will be managed by the Fortine Ranger District. All non-local crews and resources have been demobilized.
Plans for coming days include patrol and mop up by District personnel. The fires were flown yesterday using infrared technology to identify hot spots, which will assist in mop up. Fireline rehabilitation work will begin once adequate precipitation has been received.
Fire danger on the Kootenai National Forest is currently still Very High and Stage I fire restrictions remain in effect. To date, there have been 23 lightning-caused fires and 82 human-caused fires in 2005 on lands under federal protection on the Forest.
Other Montana Fires
There currently are four other large fires burning in southwest Montana. None of which are contained. A total of 18,976 acres are presently burning due to wildfires.
Signal Rock (Beaverhead/Deerlodge National Forest): 950 acres at zero percent contained. The fire is 17 miles southwest of Philipsburg, MT in timber. Increased fire behavior was observed.
I-90 (Lolo National Forest): 11,000 acres at 85 percent contained. This fire is one mile south of Alberton and includes the Tarkio and West Mountain fires. Private residences, commercial properties, recreational sites and a major power grid remain potentially threatened. Fire behavior included small group torching and intermittent surface fire.
Rockin (Bitterroot National Forest): 3,859 acres at 65 percent contained. This fire, formerly named Rockin Complex, is 10 miles northwest of Darby and is burning in timber. Structures and cultural sites remain threatened. Narrow canyons, steep and rocky terrain continue to hamper containment efforts. Fire activity moderated due to decreased winds.
Prospect (Lolo National Forest): 3,177 acres at 20 percent contained. This fire is 12 miles south of Superior and is burning in timber. Poor access and heavy fuels continue to hinder containment efforts. Increased fire behavior was reported.
Selway-Salmon Complex (Bitterroot National Forest): 3,737 acres. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) complex, comprised of thirty-two fires, is 26 miles southwest of Hamilton and is burning in grass and timber. The complex, which now includes the El Capitan WFU and Elk Lake WFU, is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. Deep Creek campground, Hells Half Acre Lookout and Coopers Flat Ranger Station remain potentially threatened; structure protection measures continue to be implemented. Magruder Corridor Road is closed to through traffic. Trail closures are in effect. Active ground fire was reported.
Idaho Fires:
Idaho has nine fires burning involving almost 16,000 acres. None are presently contained. Fires are burning on the Clearwater, Nez Perce and Payette National Forests, as well as on state land.
Related Links:
Kootenai National Forest
Current Fire Update
Large Fire Map
Forest Service Morning Fire Report
|
