Elbow Pass Wildfire Complex – Sept 26, 2012 Update

The latest report from officials overseeing the Elbow Pass Wildfire Complex west of Augusta indicates that fire spread has continued over the past several days east of the Continental Divide in the Green Fork drainage, burning onto the south aspect of Halfmoon Peak, as well as in the Ellis Creek drainage and in the South Fork Sun River below Patrol Mountain. A crew of 6 firefighters went into the South Fork Sun River on Tuesday, Sept to implement a pump and hose-lay system in order to limit progression of the fire on the east side of the river. The fire there is currently held up in an avalanche chute, and fire managers intend to use water to assist in holding it there. 

The fire was fairly active in the Rapid Creek area on the Flathead NF recently. The fire in this area has moved down the Rapid Creek drainage and has crossed Sugarloaf Creek. It has been moving slowly west on the south side of Bar Creek.

 The total area covered by the Elbow Pass Complex stands at 25,572 acres. 12-15 firefighters are working the fire, assisted by one helicopter.

 Trail and area closures associated with the Elbow Pass Complex remain unchanged since Sept. 8, 2012. New closures are in place for the Wall Creek fire on the Spotted Bear RD. The closure area for the East Fork fire on the Lincoln RD of the Helena NF was expanded on Tuesday, Sept. 14. Contact the appropriate Ranger District offices for the latest information on trail and area closures.

 Augusta Information Station (LCNF)       406-562-3247      

Choteau District Office (LCNF)                   406-466-5341

Seeley Lake Ranger District (LNF)             406-677-2233      

Spotted Bear Ranger District (FNF)          406-758-5376

Lincoln Ranger District (HNF)                     406-362-7000

 A number of fires are burning within the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat Wilderness Areas. The Prisoner Lake fire is burning in the White River drainage on the Flathead NF, across the Continental Divide from the upper West Fork Sun River drainage on the Lewis and Clark NF. That fire is estimated at about 4,120 acres, and has had almost no visible activity over the past several days. Light smoke has been visible occasionally in the White River area.

The Wall Creek Fire is burning on the Flathead NF in the upper Wall Creek and upper Spotted Bear River drainages west of the Chinese Wall. This fire, estimated at 2,533 acres, has been actively burning in recent days and exhibiting steady growth.  Smoke has been visible at times along the Rocky Mountain Front.

 Additional fires in the wilderness include the Falls Point fire on the Lolo NF, and the East Fork fire on the Helena NF, both in the Scapegoat Wilderness. The Wedge Creek fire is burning on the Lolo NF immediately west of the Wilderness boundary.