Weather Aids in Fire Suppression Efforts

Moose Fire Camp, Columbia Falls, Mont. - Rain at last! Firefighters were encouraged yesterday as more rain crossed the fire area. Although the amounts remained small, up to one-third inch, the moisture mixed with higher humidity and lower temperatures were a welcome relief. With the weather change, crews were able to make substantial progress in mopping up stubborn hot spots and suppression rehabilitation. Crews have also started Burned Area Emergency Rehab (BAER) actions. Fire managers warn there are still areas burning and much work remains to be done before the fire is controlled.

Air show continues. Six helicopters remain on the Moose Fire. Except when hindered by the weather, these ships actively support the suppression and rehabilitation efforts. They are kept busy with water drops, crew transfers and equipment shuttles. The air attack team is an important link in the chain of the overall operation. As of this morning, helicopters have delivered about 3.8 million gallons of water to the fire.

71,000 acres and holding. There was no measurable increase in the acres burned yesterday. The fire is 59% contained and the current number of firefighters is 607.

Wildlife friendly stumps. Consultant Timothy Brown held a clinic Friday morning for fire sawyers on how to make stumps more natural looking and more accessible for wildlife habitat.

For more information call the Fire Information Center at 892-8970 or 892-9053. Up-to-date information, current fire perimeter maps and photos are available on the Moose Fire web site at its new location: www.nps.gov/glac/resources/fires_2001/fires.htm.

The Flathead National Forest continues to offer bus tours of the fire area. For additional information contact the Flathead National Forest at 758-5204 or 758-5208.