Single Publication

Banana Lake Fire
June 7, 2024

Start Date & Location: May 31, 2024    4 miles north of Plains, MT
Cause: Unknown, under investigation       Size: 833 acres                Containment: 55%
Personnel: 212       Crews: 5     Engines: 6       Helicopters: 2     Dozers: 1     Skidgeons: 5

CURRENT STATUS AND PLANNED ACTIONS
Crews remain focused on securing containment lines and targeting areas of residual heat near the fire’s edge. Though visible fire activity is limited, pockets of unburned vegetation within the fire perimeter, known as dirty burns, require careful attention. These areas can conceal smoldering material that may reignite under dry and warm conditions.

Today, firefighters will continue mopping up the fire using gridding and cold trailing techniques to thoroughly check for remaining heat. Gridding involves systematically scanning the ground in a tight pattern, while cold trailing means feeling along the edge of burned areas to confirm they are fully extinguished. These methods are critical as temperatures rise and humidity falls.

Yesterday, firefighters continued fire suppression efforts on a persistent heat source deep within a thick layer of organic material in a dry lakebed near Banana Lake on the southwest side of the fire. Although there were no visible flames, soft and sandy terrain made access challenging. Crews dug into the area and applied water, but the heat proved resistant to standard suppression methods. Firefighters will allow the area to smolder while closely monitoring it and allowing the fire to consume available fuels under controlled conditions. Sprinklers are being installed to prevent any potential spread beyond the containment area.

A dedicated initial attack group remains ready to respond quickly to any new fire starts near the incident.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Fire activity remains minimal, with mostly creeping and smoldering in isolated stump holes and heavy dead and down fuels.

A ridge of high pressure is expected to build over the region in the coming days, leading to hot and dry conditions. Gusty westerly winds are forecast for the fire area this afternoon, which may contribute to increased fire activity. By Sunday, winds are expected to shift and become light out of the northeast.

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES
There are no evacuations or closures for the Banana Lake Fire at this time, but drivers on Highway 28 should expect reduced speed limits and use extra caution. Stay clear of the fire area and do not fly drones.