The Gold Pan fire was active yesterday increasing 1,696 acres to 13,335 acres based on the Monday night infra-red flight.
The inversion did not lift until 2 pm, but when it did, the fire moved quickly pushed by northwest winds towards Pole Mountain and established itself a mile west of Hells Half Acre Saddle.
Early this morning, the fire was reported to have crossed the Hells Half Acre Road caused by late night winds.
Yesterday, fire managers observed single and group tree torching, and there was short runs with fire burning in the tree crowns.
Helicopters worked with ground crews and dropped water to cool fire burning into the Magruder Road Corridor along the Kim Creek Saddle.
The west and south perimeter of the fire is not expanding but has reached Buck Knob and across the Selway River east of Langdon Point.
Today’s weather forecast is similar to yesterday with westerly winds causing active fire movement and long range spotting. Crews are preparing for possible spotting across the Magruder Road Corridor in the Deep Creek area.
They are scouting the area for opportunities to secure Trail 37 north and west of Magruder Station and Deep Creek and along the Magruder Corridor to slow fire movement if spotting occurs.
Helicopter water bucket drops will continue to assist the ground crews to suppress fire movement and secure the Kim Creek Saddle area.
Fire crews will continue to protect the historic Magruder Ranger Station with a sprinkler system, and heat protective wrap on the buildings. The Hells Half Lookout is also protected with heat protective wrap.
The Goat fire is located southeast of Salmon Mountain lookout. Fire activity has been moderate; is located on a rocky east facing slope with little fuel.
The fire area remains at 11 acres and is being observed by the staffed lookout and fire managers on the Gold Pan ComplexHutton’s Type II Wildland Fire Management Team is preparing to transfer command to Poncin’s Type I Team on Wednesday.
The Type II team will continue to prepare a long term plan forecasting fire behavior and management strategies. Poncin’s team will have fire management responsibilities.
Diane Hutton and the team members thank the local community and Bitterroot Forest for their support and valuable relations.
Source: inciweb.org
2013 The NW Fire Blog
NW Fire Blog 