Montana Firewatch Update July 30th

Smoke on the Miller Peak Fire Photo credit https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/ Warm and dry weather has contributed to many fires in the area this year. As many of them are being contained, we offer the following information as it was updated on July 30th, according to https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/ The Horse Gulch Fire was first reported on July 9, 2024, and it grew rapidly in the following days. Located 5 miles south of York and 2 miles north of Canyon Ferry, this wildfire has been very active in dense timber with heavy dead and down fuels. As of July 26th, this fire was 15167 acres in size and 100% contained. Reported on Monday afternoon, July 29th, the Black Mountain Fire is situated 6 miles northwest of Lincoln, Mont. The Pine Grove Campground remains closed, and an Evacuation Warning has been issued by the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office. The size of the fire is 65 Acres. The Blacktail Canyon fire was reported on the afternoon of July 19th and is located 4 miles southeast of Butte, MT. The wildfire spans 80 acres and is 95% contained. It is situated in timber with a heavy dead and down fuel component. Collaborative efforts are underway with Butte-Silver Bow officials to protect private structures in specific areas. On the first afternoon, several large air tankers and a very large air tanker (VLAT) dropped retardant, while helicopters assisted with water bucket drops. Fire managers, in cooperation with Butte-Silver Bow officials, have identified and prioritized critical values at risk, focusing available resources and current efforts on the protection of private structures in the Blacktail Canyon, Homestake Road, and Passmore Canyon areas. Local Fire Department engines provided structure assessments in these areas. Crews will continue to assess critical values at risk in the adjacent areas. Containment of a fire means there are secure firelines around the perimeter, directly next to the edge where the fire burned. As the crews progress around the entire fire perimeter with “mop-up” and extinguish all residual heat interior to the fire edge, the containment percentage will increase. Winds associated with passing thunderstorms have tested the efficacy of constructed firelines. Gusty winds pose a major safety hazard due to the high density of “snags” and falling trees. Additionally, the proximity of the fire location to recreation sites such as the Continental Divide Trail and the Silver Bow Archery Range in Thompson Park presents a further need for public awareness. The public is advised to stay out of these areas as crews and helicopters continue their work. Ensuring firefighter safety and protecting life and property are of the utmost importance during any incident. The Miller Peak Fire was first reported on the afternoon of July 14th. Growth continues to be driven by wind and topography. The fire is located about 8 miles southeast of Missoula in the Plant Creek drainage of Miller Creek. Fire behavior has been very active and is in dense mixed conifer. Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 5 took command at 6 am on July 16th. Available resources and current efforts are focused on the protection of the homes and structures in the Miller Creek drainage, the I-90 corridor, critical energy infrastructure/powerlines, and the communications towers on Miller Peak. Northern Rockies Team 9 assumed control of the fire at 6 am July 30th. The fire remains at 65% containment as crews continue to mop up and strengthen containment lines around the perimeter of the fire. Crews continue to secure and improve containment lines around the fire. The eastern and northern flanks continue to be areas of concern due to pockets of unburned fuel near the fire's edge. This fire as of July 30th is 2724 acres in size and 65% contained. Please continue to check the Great Falls Gazette for updates as we strive to provide you with information throughout the fire season.

Montana Firewatch Update July 30th

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