Southwest Area
Incident Management Team
Incident Commander: Dan Oltrogge
Rough Draw Complex

For Immediate Release

Rough Draw Complex Update, August 13, 2003

The Southwest Area Incident Management Team assumed responsibility for several additional fires on August 12th. The Rough Draw Complex now consists of five different fires - the Rough Draw Fire, the Slippery Rock Fire (previously referred to as the "Cottonwood Fire"), Speculator #1, Speculator #2, and the Hawley Fire.

  • Rough Draw Fire - approximately 300 acres. Located on the northern boundary of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, at the head of the Mission Creek Drainage, in the Gallatin National Forest. Fire behavior moderated during the day yesterday, but activity increased again last night as several spot fires became active. Minimal fire growth occurred. Today, crews are constructing hand line for perimeter control. Structural protection is a priority and additional engines have been ordered to assist at the 6 3 Ranch. Air support is critical on this fire since it is located in very steep and rugged terrain.
  • Slippery Rock Fire - 200 acres. Located on a ridge above Cottonwood Canyon. This fire moved quickly to the west with thunderstorm activity yesterday afternoon, and showed potential to continue moving downslope. The county implemented a voluntary evacuation of the upper Cottonwood Ranch Road area. Structural protection measures are in place for eighteen adjacent residences. Both crews and dozers will use direct attack along the fires south edge in an effort to keep the fire away from those structures.
  • Speculator #1 - 4 acres. Located on a ridge above Main Boulder Canyon. A voluntary evacuation is still in effect for residences and camps in this area.
  • Speculator #2 - 1/10th acre. Located on a ridge above Main Boulder Canyon. This fire is in patrol status and has not shown any activity in three days.
  • Hawley - 1/10th acre. This fire is also in patrol status and has not shown any activity in several days.

A Community Meeting will be held tomorrow evening, August 14th, from 6:00-7:00pm, at the Shields Valley Community Hall in Clyde Park. Members of the Southwest Area Incident Management Team, representatives from Gallatin National Forest, and other cooperating agencies will provide an overview of the fire situation. The public is invited to attend.

For additional information, please call 406-222-1892, until 6:00 pm this evening.

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