Kootenai Creek Fire Update - 10/5/09
Incident: Kootenai Creek Wildfire
Released: 10/5/2009
Kootenai Creek Fire Update
October 5, 2009
The weekend's winds had little effect on fires on the Bitterroot National Forest. The Sapphire Mountains, and thus the Gird End Fire, received a bit more snow cover than the Kootenai Creek Fire but both fires are subdued considerably from a week ago. However, with the amount of fire on the landscape, especially on the Kootenai Creek Fire, people should expect to continue to see some smoke until longer-term cold and wet weather truly puts the fires out.
Kootenai Creek Fire: Crew members are clearing the Kootenai Creek Trail, in hopes of reopening the trail for public use later in the week. Firefighters are also patrolling the fire lines, continuing mop-up work and addressing hot spots in the lower elevations. The fire continues to burn, especially in heavy fuels such as logs and stumps that are on the ground. Occasionally, there is still some individual tree torching. The upper elevations received some snow while the lower elevations of the fire have not yet received significant moisture. Fire activity at all elevations has moderated considerably due to the colder temperatures. Only light precipitation is expected this week with much colder temperatures predicted later in the week. While the colder temperatures will continue to help suppress active burning, the fire is expected to continue until a season ending weather event occurs. All closures related to the Kootenai Creek Fire have been lifted except the closure on the Kootenai Creek Trail. The Kootenai Creek Trail remains temporarily closed to public use.
Forest officials remind folks to use caution when traveling in or near burned areas. Recently burned slopes can be unstable, generating rolling rocks that may end up on trail tread or on road beds. Snags are an ever-present hazard in both new and old burned areas; they can fall with little warning or provocation so forest travelers are advised to travel through burned area with great care.
For more information, call the Stevensville Ranger District at 406-777-5461.
