For Immediate Release

Rough Draw Complex Update, August 13, 2003

Rough Draw Fire Update, August 12, 2003

Efforts to contain the 250-acre Rough Draw Fire will continue today. This lightning-caused fire, which began on August 9th, is located on the northern boundary of the Absaroka - Beartooth Wilderness, at the head of the Mission Creek Drainage, in the Gallatin National Forest. An increase in the relative humidity caused fire behavior to moderate yesterday, and engine crews concentrated on structural protection. The Southwest Area Incident Management Team assumed responsibility of the Rough Draw Fire at 6:00 yesterday evening. The team will also provide initial attack support for new fires in the area, including the Cottonwood fire, located in the Crazy Mountains, and three new lightning-caused fires located in Main Boulder Creek.

The Rough Draw Fire is 0% contained. It is burning in an area that is not easily accessible, the terrain is steep and rugged with heavy fuels. Today, firefighters will establish a safe anchor point on the north end of the fire, off of the Mission Creek Trail, and will begin fireline construction from this location. Four helicopters will provide air support with bucket drops on the steep slopes. Other resources assigned to the fire include two Type 1 crews, four Type 2 crews, and four helicopters. Today's weather forecast calls for a chance of dry thunderstorms, which could increase winds in the fire area.

Structural protection measures are being implemented on the fire's north end. These protection measures will include fuel reduction work near the 6-3 Ranch, and establishing hose lays around the structures. A Population Protection Plan is also being prepared for adjacent residential areas. This plan identifies areas that could potentially be at risk, should fire behavior increase, and the mitigation measures that will be used in that event.

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