On July 23rd, a swift and coordinated response from state, federal, and local partners successfully contained the Coopers Lake Fire, located just one mile northeast of Ovando. Crews from the DNRC’s Lincoln and Clearwater Units, Southwestern Land Office Helitack, Seeley Ranger District, and local government firefighters worked together to combat the fire. They quickly established a hose lay while a DNRC helicopter performed water bucket drops to help slow the fire’s spread. Ground crews then constructed a handline to secure the perimeter. Following an overnight monitoring period, DNRC crews began mop-up operations. The fire is 100% contained and the cause is still undetermined.
The Deer Fire, reported on July 18, 2025, in the Pattee Canyon/Deer Creek area of the Missoula Ranger District, is currently under investigation for human-related causes. Located approximately 3 miles southeast of the Crazy Canyon Trailhead and 2.5 miles north of Miller Peak, the fire has prompted a temporary closure of certain roads and trails, including Service Road 2127 and Forest Service Trail 512, beginning July 20, 2025.
As of July 27, 2025, the Deer Fire has burned 75 acres and is 90% contained, with a total personnel count of 40 firefighters on duty. The fire, primarily affecting timber and mixed conifer, has held its containment lines despite warm, dry weather and gusty winds. The Type 3 Incident Management Team will hand over command to a local Type 4 organization, signaling a reduction in active firefighting efforts. Resources are being demobilized, although monitoring will continue until full containment is achieved.
The Big Bear Fire, which began on July 9, 2025, due to lightning strikes, has expanded to approximately 11,241 acres in the lower Hot Springs Creek drainage area. Firefighters are focused on protecting structures, particularly around Artic Creek Lodge and River of No Return Lodge, using pumps and sprinklers as necessary. The fire is burning in steep, challenging terrain within the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and is currently under the management of a Type 4 Incident Commander. With an estimated containment date set for October 1, 2025, personnel numbers stand at just three.
Another lightning-caused fire, the Rush Fire, started on July 10, 2025, and has impacted around 4,787 acres, reaching the confluence of Rush Creek and Big Creek. Despite low fire activity in some areas allowing crews to secure the site, the Soldier Bar airstrip has been closed due to safety concerns. Managing a total of nine personnel, the fire remains within three miles of the Cabin Creek public airstrip, with a projected growth up the Big Creek drainage.
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.
