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Western Montana Incident Management Team
MOOSE FIRE, Columbia Falls, MT, Sept. 18, 2001 “This fire is far from out,” said Bill Swope, Incident Commander. “We’ve made very good progress the last few days and many areas of the fire are in very good shape.” However, Swope added that large areas of unburned fuel within the fire perimeter and some areas within the park have the potential to cause problems if strong winds develop. Currently 631 firefighters and support personnel are working on the Moose Fire. Seventeen hand crews, including 6 Type I crews, twenty-four engines, five dozers, seven water tenders, and six helicopters are on the fire, which was started by lightning Aug. 14 and has increased to 68,250 acres. Interior fire activity has increased over the past several days as temperatures have risen and relative humidity dropped. The fire has not moved significantly, however unburned pockets of fuel in the interior have been reported to have torching and crowning. Crews are working at reinforcing perimeter control lines and lines in areas closest to residential areas. Fire crews are also actively mopping up the areas along the opened roads. No structures are currently threatened, and no likely threat is forecast. Fire officials are reminding people traveling through the fire area not to leave the roadway. Fire-weakened roots will cause trees to fall without warning and there is also danger from rolling rocks, logs, and pits from burnt out root systems, which may appear as level ground, but in fact are filled with hot ash. Motorists should also watch for slow-moving vehicles and firefighters working near the roads. Fire Information Officers have been stationed near the Camas Entrance and on the North Fork Road to answer questions from the public who are traveling through the burn area.Currently a collection drive for the American Red Cross is being conducted at the fire camp, to aid in the relief efforts in New York and Washington D.C. There is an area closure for firewood gathering in the fire area. For additional information, contact the Flathead National Forest at 758-5200 or 387-3800. |