Single Publication

Blacktain Canyon Fire Update

July 25, 2024   9:00 a.m.

Incident Commander J. Willoughby
Location:  southeast of Butte, MT between Interstate 90 and Highway 2
Start Date: 7/19/2024 
Cause: Undetermined
Size: 80 acres 
Resources on Site:  4 engines, 1 helicopter, 2 type 1 “hotshot” hand crews, 3 type 2 hand crews
Total Personnel Assigned:  173

KEY MESSAGES:  
The evacuation warning issued by Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department is still in effect.

A RED FLAG WARNING will be in effect again today. The combination of low relative humidity and thunderstorm outflow winds will result in critical fire weather conditions. These conditions increase the risk for new and existing fires to spread quickly. Winds will be from the southwest at 10-15 mph, and gusts associated with thunderstorms may reach 50 mph. Relative humidity will bottom out at 10-15 percent. Fire officials are keeping a close tab on these conditions, as they affect fire behavior and subsequent firefighting operations. Securing the fire edge is paramount, in anticipation of the cold front passage with gusty outflow winds.

The combination of these weather conditions, the volume of fuel in and adjacent to the fire area, and the amount of internal residual heat result in lingering potential for this fire. Winds associated with passing thunderstorms will test the efficacy of constructed firelines and pose a major safety hazard due to the high density of “snags” and falling trees. Additionally, the proximity of the fire location to recreation sites such as the Continental Divide Trail and the Silver Bow Archery Range in Thompson Park presents a further need for public awareness. The public is advised to stay out of these areas, as crews and helicopters continue their work. Ensuring firefighter safety and protecting life and property are of the utmost importance during any incident.

CURRENT STATUS/PLANNED ACTIONS: 
Crews progressed with their “mop-up” operations, working along the previously constructed sawline and handline. Completion of “mop-up” objectives remains at 40% of the fire footprint. Crews worked in the morning yesterday until the predicted high winds materialized, forcing the crews off the fireline and back to fire camp. These winds pose a major safety hazard due to the high density of “snags” and falling trees.

Crews will continue with “mop-up” operations, as allowed by weather conditions and subsequent impacts of the gusty winds. Engine crews and helicopters will be available for initial attack of new fires in the area, given the recent lightning.
 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Fire behavior was minimal yesterday, with smoldering in the stump holes observed. Little to no smoke was visible. 
A cold front will move through the area this afternoon. Pre-frontal southwesterly winds in the morning could gust up to 20 mph, increasing to 30 mph and switching to westerly. The afternoon and evening could see a 25% chance for showers and thunderstorms. The combination of gusty winds, low relative humidity, and thunderstorms will keep the area under a RED FLAG WARNING. Temperatures will relax slightly on Friday, behind the passage of the cold front.