Single Publication

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:  2 engines; 2 type 2 hand crews
Total Personnel Assigned:  79
Containment:  95%

KEY MESSAGES:  
The evacuation warning issued by Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department has been rescinded.

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: 
Previously constructed firelines held, despite gusty winds over several days. Firefighting efforts have resulted in securing sections of the fire edges, 3 chains (198 feet) into the interior. Crews will continue securing the constructed lines and “mopping-up” all the way around the fire footprint.

Fire managers are calling the fire 95% contained. Containment of a fire implies there are secure firelines around the perimeter, directly next to the edge where the fire burned. As the crews progress around the entire fire perimeter with “mop-up” and extinguish all residual heat interior to the fire edge, the containment percentage will increase.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:
Fire behavior was minimal yesterday. Little to no smoke was visible.

Elevated fire weather conditions are expected Sunday and Monday, given gusty west-southwest winds of 20-25 mph and humidity in the upper teens. Mid-level moisture will increase into Sunday morning, leading to an isolated threat for showers and thunderstorms. Another round of showers and thunderstorms will develop Sunday afternoon. Showers and thunderstorms will be high based and mainly dry, with chances for wetting rains at 10 percent.