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 August 6th, according to https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/
The Black Mountain Fire, reported on July 29, 2024, is located 6 miles northwest of Lincoln, Mont. As of August 5th, the fire covered 180 acres and was 30% contained.
Cooler temperatures and light precipitation moderated fire activity creating favorable conditions for firefighters as they work to secure and improve the fireline, monitoring for any remaining areas of heat.
The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office has issued an Evacuation Warning that is still in effect. Only residents are allowed access to the following areas: North of Lone Point Dr and Tamarack, North of North Lincoln Gulch/Morris Dr, and North of the intersection of Beaver Creek Rd and Stonewall Creek, including all feeder roads north of that intersection.
The Miller Peak Fire was first reported on the afternoon of July 14, 2024. The fire is located about 8 miles southeast of Missoula in the Plant Creek drainage of Miller Creek. This fire as of August 6th was 2724 acres in size and 73% contained.
Fire crews are working on mopping up and securing the spotty eastern flank that has unburned and burned fuels. Efforts are focused on protecting homes and structures in the Miller Creek drainage, the I-90 corridor, critical energy infrastructure/powerlines, and the communications towers on Miller Peak.
Crews will continue to search out and mop up hot spots on the eastern edge of the fire. An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) flew over the fire and containment lines with heat-sensing equipment to search for areas of residual heat on Saturday evening. Any areas of concern found by the UAS will be dealt with by the remaining crews.
The temporary flight restriction is still in effect over the fire area and a road closure around the fire is in effect due to hazardous conditions resulting from fire activity. Stage II fire restrictions are in effect in the area. Specific closure information and maps are posted on InciWeb at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtlnf-miller-peak-fire and https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lolo/alerts-notices as they are implemented.
Please continue to check the Great Falls Gazette for updates as we strive to provide you with information throughout the fire season.
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
