Callahan Fire Update September 17, 2020

Incident Statistics 

Size: 1,660 acres

Containment: 0%

Cause: Under Investigation

Resources Assigned

Total Personnel: 220

Crews: 3

Engines: 8

Water Tenders: 3

Heavy Equipment: 7

Helicopters: 2     

Current Status & Planned Activity: The Northern Rockies Team Seven, a Type II Incident Management Team, is currently managing the Callahan Fire. The team assumed command of operations yesterday and is continuing work towards suppressing the fire. A more accurate perimeter was mapped by aircraft giving an updated acreage of 1,660.

Yesterday, firefighters engaged the fire on the south end and kept the fire to the north of road 4541 and trail 154 utilizing hose lays previously put into place. The spot fire, located to the east of the main fire, was estimated at approximately 6 acres. Helicopters were able to provide water bucket drops while firefighters actively worked to keep the spot fire from spreading.

Crews will continue to reinforce lines along the south end and hold the fire as it reaches the road and trail. Crews, along with heavy equipment will begin work on road 427 (Callahan Creek Road) to use as a contingency line.

Weather: Temperatures in the fire area are expected to be in the low to mid 70s with light terrain driven winds.

Closures: An area, trail and road closure order is in effect for National Forest System lands on the Three Rivers Ranger District, Kootenai National Forest. Road Closures include NFSR 427 (Callahan Creek Road) from the junction with NFSR 4478 (Ruby Three Mile Road); NFSR 14390 (Snowstorm Road); NFSR 414 (South Fork Callahan Creek Road); NFSR 4554 (Goat Creek Road); NFSR 4530 (Smith Mountain Road); and NFSR 4541 (Glad Creek Road). The closure area is bounded by, but does include closure of, NFSR 4478 (Ruby Three Mile) north to NFSR 4477 (Brush Creek Cutoff) then west to NFSR 582 (Ruby Creek). Trail closures include Trail 152 (Goat Creek); Trail 154 (South Fork Callahan); Trail 155 (Smith Mountain); Trail 156 (Smith Lake); Trail 407 (Roberts Mountain); Trail 410 (Caribou Creek); and Trail 548 (North Fork Callahan). https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd803759.pdf

Fire Danger Rating – Very High

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