For Immediate Release

Rough Draw Complex Update, August 24, 2003, 9:00am

The Rough Draw Complex consists of the Rough Draw Fire (1180 acres), Slippery Rock Fire (1140 acres), Speculator #1, Speculator #2 and Hawley Fires (15 acres), Brundage Fire (508 acres), Elbow Fire (28 acres), and the newly reported Walburn Fire (3 acres). Containment for all fires combined is currently 35%. Resources assigned include two Type 1 crews, four Type 2 crews, six helicopters, nineteen engines, seven watertenders and three dozers, a total of 468 personnel.

A group of representatives from Fire Department of New York (FDNY) is expected to arrive today. They will spend several days with the Southwest Area Incident Management Team to learn more about managing long term incidents, such as the Rough Draw Complex. Please welcome them.

Rough Draw Fire - Located on the northern boundary of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, at the head of Mission Creek Drainage, in the Gallatin National Forest. The Rough Draw Fire became active yesterday on the southern end of Mission Creek, and on the east side of Shell Mountain after high winds moved through the area. Bucket work was used to cool hotspots on the east side of Shell Mountain, as well as the southern end of Mission Creek. Some interior burning and smoke can be expected again today. Mop up and rehabilitation efforts will continue.

Slippery Rock Fire - Located on a northwest ridge above Cottonwood Canyon. The Slippery Rock Fire increased in acreage yesterday due to burnout operations that were completed on the northwest corner of the fire into Pauline Creek. Mop up continued on the remainder of the fire, and rehab was begun on the contingency lines. Mop up and rehab will continue today. Expect some interior burning. The Cottonwood Canyon evacuation will be lifted at noon today.

Speculator #1 and #2, Hawley Fires -These fires have been fully contained.

Brundage - Located within the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, bounded by Hellroaring Cabin to the south, Iron Mountain to the east, Crow Mountain to the north, and Ash Mountain to the west. The Brundage Fire was monitored by aircraft yesterday. The fire is expected to move to the northwest and to the east today.

Elbow - Also located within the wilderness. Hand line was completed on the Elbow Fire yesterday and mop up continued. Also, back haul efforts were begun. Mop up activities will be completed today and rehabilitation efforts will begin.

For additional information, please call the Rough Draw Complex Information Center at 406-222-9280. Phones will be staffed from 7:00am until 8:00pm daily. The Southwest Area Incident Management Team website is operational at www.fireteam-sw.com/oltrogge.

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