WESTERN MONTANA INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                           

September 20, 2001 -- 667 Firefighters managed to hold the Moose Fire to its current 69,365 acres in spite of increased winds and dry conditions.  Fire managers report that even though the winds stirred up some fires within the interior, there were no major runs or spots outside the existing fire perimeter.  Best of all, no injuries were reported during Wednesday’s shift.  Firefighter objectives continue to be firefighter and public safety, protection of residences and structures, and preventing the spread of the fire.

Burning coal, falling trees and increasing winds have all posed their challenges for firefighters on the Moose Fire.  

Monday morning, firefighters working to mop-up a section of the Moose fire began to feel dizziness, nausea and headaches.  The Flathead Office of Emergency Services responded and discovered that the sickness was the probable result of the fire burning into some coal tailings.  The burning coal reacted to the firefighter’s water and created a sulfuric gas, which caused the temporary illness.

Tuesday afternoon, a live tree with a burned out root system unexpectedly fell on a van used to transport firefighters.  Fortunately, only the driver was in the parked vehicle and even though the vehicle sustained substantial damage, no one was injured. 

Wednesday, winds increased over the fire and caused numerous trees to fall and tested fire suppression lines on parts of the fire.  Fortunately, no one was injured by the falling trees and all lines held.

These incidents highlight the dangers inherent in wildland firefighting.  They also represent the dangers to the public when they enter areas where the fire has burned.  Therefore, Moose Fire officials continue to monitor travel within the fire perimeter and some roads are closed for public safety.  The public is asked to stay on roadways when traveling through the fire.

Tours of the fire continue to be offered by the Flathead National Forest.  Guests must pre-register by calling 406-758-5204 or 758-5208.  In addition, an Open House will take place Sunday afternoon from 1-4 p.m. to give the public an up-close view of the temporary home for over 600 of America’s finest wildland firefighters.  Guests are asked to report to the fire camp and follow signs to guest parking.  From there they will be escorted through the camp.

There is an area closure for firewood gathering in the fire area.  For additional information call the Flathead National Forest at 406-758-5200 or 406-387-3800.