Dano 1996

On August 19, 1996 a lighting-caused fire was reported on the rim of the Clarks Fork Canyon below Bald Ridge on the Clarks Fork Ranger District. The fire was approximately two acres. The fire was 75% contained by 1100 hours. By about 1300 hours strong winds combined with hot temperatures and low humidity caused the fire to jump the line. By mid afternoon, the fire had grown to approximately 200 acres and was still spreading as the winds continued. Five of the eight firefighters were removed by helicopter. The fire burned over the helispot before the remaining three could be evacuated, causing an entrapment. Shortly after 1500 they deployed their fire shelters in a crevice on a cliff. The firefighters were not injured and all were safely evacuated. Two air tankers dropped fire retardant to assist in protection of the firefighters.