On June 15th, the Jericho Mountain Fire ignited about 5 miles south of Macdonald Pass, specifically northeast of Jericho Mountain, burning in heavy dead and down fuel. The responding teams included the Forest Service, Montana DNRC, as well as the Baxendale and Elliston Volunteer Fire Departments. As of June 17, 2025, the fire remained active, with significant challenges due to dense, hazardous fuels in a remote and rugged terrain.
The incident, which began at 9:30 AM on June 15, is being managed by the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest’s Helena Ranger District. Fire management efforts are focused on utilizing aviation resources and acquiring additional heavy equipment to help contain the fire, which has consumed approximately 150 acres with 0% of its perimeter contained as of June 16th. Teams are especially concentrating efforts on the eastern flank to prevent the fire from spreading toward private residences and to keep it west of Rimini. Currently, the firefighting personnel includes 2 large air tankers, 5 helicopters, 5 Type 6 engines, 2 heavy equipment task forces, and several hand crews.
The Hilger Valley Fire, first spotted on June 9th approximately 20 miles north of Helena, near the Gates of the Mountains along Interstate 15, has burned 295 acres and is 100% contained.
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.
