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The Pentagon Fire as seen from afar looking northwest on 8/3/2024.
The Pentagon Fire as seen looking northwest on 8/3/2024.
The Pentagon Fire as seen looking east on 8/5/2024.
The Pentagon Fire is not currently impacting the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) but is located near a popular alternative CDT route along trail 83 (Spotted Bear River trail) north of Spotted Bear Pass and trail 173 (Pentagon Creek trail) toward Switchback Pass. A closure order is pending.
A recon flight on August 3, 2024 confirmed reported observations of a fire on the south side of Spotted Bear River between Lime Creek and Wall Creek. The fire is currently estimated at 62 acres, burning in steep, rocky, and rugged terrain approximately 0.5 miles south of the Pentagon Cabin Administrative Site. Both Spotted Bear and Beartop Lookouts reported visible smoke late on August 2, enabling detection and triangulation of the fire. The fire was started by lightning from a dry thunderstorm on July 24 and while multiple detection flights have flown the area, fire activity was not visible until August 2.
Firefighters hiked into the area on August 3 to begin contacting public in the area and initiate point protection operations at the Pentagon Cabin Administrative Site. They were supported by a Type 2 helicopter for multiple fuel cycles. The helicopter bucket work checked the fire to allow more time for public contacts and firefighter actions ahead of the rain that was received on August 4.
Fire managers have developed a strategy with the highest probability of success to manage this fire. They have based their strategy on protecting critical values at risk and prioritizing the safety of the public and responders, while preserving landscape characteristics in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
| Current as of | Fri, 08/09/2024 - 11:44 |
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| Incident Time Zone | America/Denver |
| Incident Type | Wildfire |
| Cause | Lightning |
| Date of Origin | |
| Location | 45 miles SE of Bigfork, MT |
| Coordinates |
47° 51' 18'' Latitude
-113° 9' 25
'' Longitude
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| Total Personnel: | 5 |
|---|---|
| Size | 62 Acres |
| Percent of Perimeter Contained | 0% |
| Estimated Containment Date | 10/31/2024 |
| Fuels Involved | Timber (litter and understory) |
| Planned Actions |
Firefighters on site have completed wrapping the historic buildings; they will continue to monitor fire behavior and reduce fuels in the immediate area surrounding the Pentagon Cabin Administrative Site. |
|---|---|
| Projected Incident Activity |
Fire activity has diminished due to the recent rain; smoldering and creeping along the fire perimeter was observed during the recon flight on 8/5. Firefighters will continue to monitor fire behavior as warmer and drier weather returns. |
| Weather Concerns | The fire received a significant wetting rain on 8/4/2024, 0.48" was recorded on site. A period of cooler temperatures and chance for rain showers remains in the forecast throughout the week. |
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