September 4, 1998

The WiFE crew departs Jefferson County Airport abord the C130 to observe the Challenge Fire (Flathead National Forest, Kalispell, MT) and several prescribed natural burns within and near Glacier National Park. The Challenge Fire and 13 other wildfires and wildfire complexes were quite intense; some were visible from satellite (image below, from CIRA/RAMM RAMSDIS).

Fire status

The Challenge Fire had already burned 6200 acres, was 0% contained, and had no estimated containment date. On Sept. 3, 1998, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) had issued the following situation report:

"CHALLENGE, Flathead NF. A Type I Incident Management Team (Frye) is assigned. The fire is located about 40 miles east northeast of Kalispell. The fire expanded on both north and south flanks today. Much of the fire is burning in remote, roadless country, with steep, rocky slopes and rugged terrain. Current threats include two cabins and sensitive Blackfeet Tribal Cultural Sites."

Data notes.

Last Modified: 01 Oct 1998