Bear Creek Fires growing in Bob Marshall Wilderness

Thunderstorms last week generated a profusion of fire starts in and around the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, and resource shortages have complicated the challenge of prioritizing firefighting efforts for the Spotted Bear Ranger District.

“We look to see if there are any structures, if there are outfitter camps in the area, and we look at timber values,” said fire information officer Al Koss. “With the way things are around the state and around the country, resource availability is going to continue to be really tight, so we’re working with the resources that we have on hand right now.”

Throughout the past week, the Spotted Bear Ranger District had reported 28 separate fire starts by Monday morning, with at least four more spotted throughout the day.

Koss estimated about 46 firefighters were available Monday, but he said that number fluctuates as agencies continually swap resources.

Those fires located outside the wilderness boundaries are being managed jointly as the Bear Creek Fires.

The Trail Creek Fire is the largest, at an estimated 3,000 acres. It is burning away from the ranger station, but could potentially threaten the Schafer Meadows airstrip if it grows significantly.

The Flat Creek Fire is one of the highest-priority blazes in the district. At 200 acres, it has much unburned fuel in the fire area and crews are working to get it surrounded by line.

The Bear Creek remained at about 200 acres Monday, and Koss said it being monitored, but not actively suppressed.