Single Publication

Northern Rockies Team 8 will transfer command of the Black Mountain Fire back to the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest on Saturday, August 10th at 6:00 AM. Robert Smith, a Type 3 Incident Commander will assume command of the fire with approximately 100 firefighters.

Current Status

Fire Operations reported 87% containment yesterday evening as firefighters successfully secured fireline over the past couple of days. 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.

Over the past couple of days, no additional heat sources were found to the east of the main fire perimeter. On Wednesday, UAS operations (Unmanned aircraft Systems Operations or use of a drone) along with infrared detection was used to search for heat 300 feet from the perimeter; no areas of heat were located.

Approximately 100 firefighters, including 3 crews, 2 engines, and a number of 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. Please refer to Inciweb for the most up to date information regarding fire statistics. The Helena-Lewis and Clark Facebook page will share changes regarding Evacuations and Closures.

Weather

A light chance for showers and thunderstorms on Friday with probabilities increasing to a 40% chance for thunderstorms and 55% to 70% chance for rain. Temperatures are on a gradual warming trend.

Evacuations and Closures

Evacuations: Per the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office, an Evacuation Warning remains in effect. The following area is open to RESIDENTS ONLY: North of Lone Point Dr and Tamarack. North of North Lincoln Gulch/Morris Dr. North of the intersection of Beaver Creek Rd and Stonewall Creek and all feeder roads north of that intersection.

Closures: The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest road, trail, and area closure order remain in effect. The closure order and map is posted on Inciweb, Black Mountain Fire.

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Northern Rockies Team 8, Type III Incident Management Team led by Incident Commander Brad Bergman.