Fire near Georgetown Lake spews smoke
Posted: Sep 23, 2009 5:16 PM
The Table Mountain fire near Georgetown Lake spewed a large amount of smoke into the air Wednesday.
Authorities have been letting the fire burn for more than a week now, and no roads or houses are in any danger in that area, according to the Philipsburg Pintlar Ranger District.
While the smoke is a new development, it is not cause for any concern, authorities said.
The lightning-cause Table Mountain Fire ignited on Sept. 2 and is burning in the Sapphire Mountains Wilderness Study Area about 20 miles southwest of Philipsburg. Although it started on Sept. 2, it was not discovered until Sept. 12.
The fire is about 103 acres in size. Winds from the west southwest have been moving the fire to the east northeast, deeper into the wilderness study area. If the winds shift, the fire could begin burning toward the Frogpond Basin historic mining area, where there are 11 cabins, according to InciWeb.org.
Click here to read the full incident report on InciWeb.org.
Firefighters have prepared three miles of fire lines that can be used if the fire begins burning toward the cabins.
The fire is being monitored by lookouts stationed where they can see the fire and by fire managers who fly over the fire periodically to check its status.
Trails remain open in the area, although signs have been posted at trailheads warning users that the Table Mountain Fire is burning.
The Table Mountain Fire is being managed for long-term resource benefits, including maintaining natural processes and wilderness characteristics in the Sapphire Mountains Wilderness Study Area.
