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Banana Lake Fire
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- Nick HollowayPhone:406-370-9381
Banana Lake fire Update 06-04-2025
Banana Lake Fire
Publication Type: News - 06/04/2025 - 10:00
Banana Lake Fire
June 4, 2024
Start Date & Location: May 31, 2024 4 miles north of Plains, MT
Cause: Unknown, under investigation Size: 929 acres Containment: 15%
Personnel: 214 Engines: 14 Helicopters: 2 Dozers: 6 Tenders: 10
KEY MESSAGE
Speed limits have been reduced on sections of Highway 28 due to fire activity. Drivers are asked to slow down and use extra caution to avoid interfering with emergency response vehicles.
Please stay away from the fire area and do not fly drones. Unauthorized drones pose a serious safety risk to firefighting aircraft and ground crews.
CURRENT STATUS AND PLANNED ACTIONS
No new spot fires were detected yesterday. Today, crews will use an unmanned aerial system (drone) to search for any remaining spot fires and areas of residual heat, particularly along the north and east flanks of the fire.
Mop-up operations continue along the entire fire perimeter. Firefighters are methodically working inward from the edge of the fire in a grid pattern to locate and extinguish hot spots. This process may take time due to heavy debris and uneven burn patterns.
Engines and skidgeons are supporting these efforts by supplying water to cool hot spots and suppress residual fire. On the south and west sides, crews are laying hose lines to bring water into remote areas where hot spots remain.
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Today’s fire activity is expected to be moderate, with low-intensity surface fire backing, creeping, and smoldering.
A warming trend is expected this afternoon, with temperatures reaching between 68 and 73 degrees and relative humidity values at 21–26%, though conditions are expected to improve overnight with good humidity recovery. Weak atmospheric instability may bring increasing cloud cover later in the day, along with a slight chance of light showers near the fire area. Looking ahead to Thursday, conditions are trending warmer and drier. Upslope winds are expected to develop, which could influence fire behavior.
EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES
There are no evacuation or closures related to the Banana Lake Fire at this time.
