The fire season began early this year with the Sawlog Fire which started on May 1st and burned 2,030 acres before being fully contained. Although the fires have been quiet, we have been continuing to monitor the state and will continue to update as we find more information.
Recently the newest fire being monitored is the Banana Lake Fire, first discovered on May 31 at 4:25 pm, located four miles north of Plains, MT, between Locust Hill and Highway 28. This fire is currently burning in open timber and has drawn significant firefighting resources, including 14 engines, one helicopter, five skidgeons, and various other personnel.
As of Saturday, June 7th, the Banana Lake Fire covers 833 acres and is 75% contained. The Western Montana Type 3 Incident Management Team took command of the situation on June 2 at 6:00 AM. There are no evacuations or closures in place at this time.
Firefighters are actively working to hold and reinforce containment lines and eliminate any remaining heat within 132 feet of the fire’s edge. Despite minimal fire activity, the crews are focused on securing the perimeter and preventing flare-ups as the temperature rises and humidity drops. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) have been helping the teams locate unseen heat sources, allowing for more efficient suppression efforts.
Recently, a deep-seated heat source was detected near a dry lakebed close to Banana Lake, making access challenging due to the sandy ground. Firefighters have applied water to the area, and suppression efforts will continue. Mop-up operations are also ongoing near structures on the northwest flank, where crews are using hand tools and water to extinguish hot spots. An initial attack group remains on standby to respond quickly to any new fire starts in the region.
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.
