Single Publication

Size: 11,607 acres
Containment: 0%

Northern Rockies Team 2 Complex Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Scott Schuster, took command of the fire this morning due to the size and complexity of the firefighting operation.

KEY MESSAGE

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning from 2:00pm until midnight MDT today for hot temperatures, gusty winds, and low relative humidity levels over the fire forecast area.

CURRENT STATUS

Yesterday, the fire remained active throughout the day. Fire crews continued to strengthen and hold the line on the south side along Canyon Ferry Road, as well as along Jimtown Road on the west side of the fire. Fire growth occurred mainly to the north and east and the fire was most active at higher elevations along the ridges. Aircraft were used throughout the day for water and retardant drops to slow fire movement in key locations. A spot fire was found northwest of the fire but it was suppressed quickly and held to 3 acres in size.

Today, the priority continues to be to hold, strengthen, and reinforce the fire lines on the south and west sides of the fire. Firefighters will continue fire line construction along the west and northwest side to protect private lands. Firefighters, heavy equipment operators, and multiple types of aircraft will be working fire suppression in key locations where it is safe to do so. Everyone will be on heightened awareness today due to the forecasted Red Flag weather conditions.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Today, it will be sunny with 15-25 mph south winds gusting to 35 mph in the afternoon. Minimum relative humidity levels will be 12-17% and temperatures will increase to 87-97 degrees.

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES

Evacuations: The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office issued evacuations for the following areas:

• Canyon Ferry Road - from Jimtown Road to the Broadwater County line;

• All roads north and south of Canyon Ferry Road between Jimtown Road to Broadwater County line;
• Cave Gulch to Magpie Gulch north of Canyon Ferry Road;
• Jimtown Road to York and York Road north to Vigilante Campground.

Road Closure: Canyon Ferry Road is closed at Canyon Ferry Village to the Broadwater County line. Campground closures include Hellgate, Court Sheriff, Chinamen’s Gulch, Goose Bay, and Riverside.

UPDATED Closures: The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest has issued an updated and larger road, trail, and area closure order. Details about the new Closure Order can be found on the Forest website at Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest - Home (usda.gov)