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 13th, 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 9th, the fire covered 180 acres and was 87% contained.
Crews completed initial mop-up for most of the fire area, gridding approximately 120 feet into the black from the fireline, to search for and extinguish lingering heat. Firefighters are still working to secure the northwest corner of the fire which contains a high density of snag hazards (dead, standing trees) as well as a higher density of fuels on the ground. Feller bunchers and crews are reducing fuels along the Lincoln Ditch Road to create an additional holding line to protect private structures and land should the fire move further to the east and south.
Approximately 100 firefighters, including 3 crews, 2 engines, and several pieces of heavy equipment will remain on the incident. Given the success of firefighter efforts to secure the fire perimeter, this will be the final update for the Black Mountain Fire.
The Black Canyon fire was first reported on the afternoon of August 10th, 2024. It is located on private land 30 miles northwest of White Sulphur Springs, MT. The Montana DNRC County Assist Team (CAT) took command of the Black Canyon Fire on Sunday, August 11.
As of August 13th, the fire was 270 acres in size and 5% contained. On August 12th, six helicopters provided aerial support by dropping water to cool hot spots and slow the fire’s spread, primarily in the upper northeast and lower southeast corners of the fire where it was most active. Hand crews were working on constructing a direct hand line around the fire’s perimeter. Dozer operators worked on building a contingency line in the northwest area of the fire’s perimeter toward the rock face, while a skidgen focused on improving the South Access Road for contingency on the southern border of the fire. The structure protection group continued to assess and prep structures where needed and were available for initial attack within the 7-mile temporary flight restriction (TFR) zone.
Working in cooperation with landowners and Meagher County officials, fire managers have identified and prioritized critical values at risk, focusing on keeping the fire west of the Smith River and protecting private structures in the area.
The Grouse fire is burning in the upper end of Grouse Creek off the Pioneer Scenic Byway in the Wisdom Ranger District. Firefighting resources responded to the fire, and three helicopters assisted with water bucket drops during the initial attack phase. Fire retardant from air tankers was not effective in the landscape conditions. Crews disengaged during the afternoon hours of July 26 due to active fire behavior and the lack of safety and/or landing zones for helicopters.
As of August 13th, this fire was 4166 acres in size and 22% contained.
Most of the fire is burning in inaccessible, very steep, and rocky terrain that was hit hard by the mountain pine beetle several years ago. Many of the beetle-killed trees have fallen, but many remain standing, weakened, and are prone to falling over during wind events. These hazards are preventing firefighters from taking direct action on the fire perimeter. Firefighters have been creating fuel breaks along trails and along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. These indirect control lines will assist firefighters in preventing the fire from impacting critical values at risk. Other natural features like scree fields and rocky outcroppings create barriers to the spread of fire. This fire will continue to burn throughout the summer and into the fall until the first major snowfall.
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.
