The Northern Rockies Type II Incident Management Team Leach (named for incident commander Irv Leach) has issued its final public report on the Thompson-Divide Wildfire Complex:

The Thompson-Divide Complex consists of the Sheep and Granite Fires in the Flathead National Forest and the Thompson Fire in Glacier National Park. All three fires have been determined to be lightning-caused.

The snow layer dipped close to Marias Pass at elevations around 6,000 ft. north of the Thompson-Divide Complex’s Granite Fire Sept. 6, 2015. (photo Jonathan Moor)
The snow layer dipped close to Marias Pass at elevations around 6,000 ft. north of the Thompson-Divide Complex’s Granite Fire Sept. 6, 2015. (photo Jonathan Moor)
loading...

WEATHER: The Thompson-Divide Complex received more than an inch of rain in some areas over the past two days and some snow at elevations above 6,000 ft. Today temperatures will be 50-60. There is a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Weather is predicted to return to average temperatures and begin drying mid-week. Smoke from interior hot spots and burning logs may be seen during the week as fuels dry.

 

Firefighters roll up some of the miles of hoses used to battle the Sheep Fire, which was stopped less than a mile from Essex. (Photo Jonathon Moor)
Firefighters roll up some of the miles of hoses used to battle the Sheep Fire, which was stopped less than a mile from Essex. (Photo Jonathon Moor)
loading...

Wrap-Up Work: Crews will complete hand rehabilitation and remove protective wrap from cabins today. Fires will be monitored for any activity near the perimeters of the Sheep and Granite Fires. Management of the Thompson-Divide Complex is transferring from the Northern Rockies Type II IMT to a local Type 4 team on Monday, Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. The Type 4 team will be located at the Hungry Horse Ranger Station and will continue to monitor all three fires for any fire activity and complete needed rehabilitation.

Acreage Burned:

Sheep Fire- 2,171 acres

Granite Fire- 913 acres

Thompson Fire- 18,847 acres

While more than 200 structures were considered "at risk", including homes, private cabins, forest service patrol cabins, a wooden railroad trestle, railroad snowsheds and the historic Izaak Walton Inn, none were lost.

Hundreds of firefighters worked on containment efforts, with just one injury reported.

All travel restrictions on U.S. Highway 2 related to the fires have been lifted. Motorists are cautioned to still drive carefully because fire traffic are still using this route for rehabilitation efforts.

Stage I Fire Restrictions are in effect for Glacier National Park and Flathead National Forest, except wilderness areas. Stage I Restrictions allow for campfires only in designated fire rings. All fire restrictions have been dropped in the Flathead National Forest Wilderness areas.

Closures are in effect for some trails and areas in the vicinity of the fires. Cutbank Pass and Nyack area trails remain closed. For more information on Glacier NP closures, click HERE  or call (406) 888-7800. An area closure around the Sheep and Granite fires on the Flathead National Forest is in effect. Call Hungry Horse Ranger District (406) 387-3800 or click HERE for details.

The Canyon Community Church and the Glacier View 4-H Club made treats and thank-you notes for Wildland Firefighter. The Firefighters signed the notes with their own expressions of thanks. (Photo Jonathan Christian Moor)
The Canyon Community Church and the Glacier View 4-H Club made treats and thank-you notes for Wildland Firefighter. The Firefighters signed the notes with their own expressions of thanks. (Photo Jonathan Christian Moor)
loading...

The Northern Rockies Type II Incident Management Team Leach thanks the community, our partners and cooperators for all their support and assistance during this incident.

More From K96 FM