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Banana Lake Fire
Unit Information
Incident Contacts
- Marcel GetzEmail:Phone:406-751-2394
Banana Lake Fire Update 06-08-2025
Banana Lake Fire
Publication Type: News - 06/08/2025 - 08:55
Banana Lake Fire
June 8, 2025
Start Date & Location: May 31, 2024 4 miles north of Plains, MT
Cause: Unknown, under investigation Size: 833 acres Containment: 75%
Personnel: 198 Crews: 3 Engines: 5 Helicopters: 2 Dozers: 1 Skidgeons: 3
CURRENT STATUS AND PLANNED ACTIONS
This will be the final daily update for the Banana Lake Fire.
Crews remain focused on reinforcing containment lines and extinguishing remaining heat along the fire’s edge. Unburned vegetation inside the perimeter, known as dirty burns, will continue to be monitored for smoldering material that could reignite under dry conditions. Firefighters will continue gridding up to two chains, or 132 feet, inside the line and cold trailing by carefully feeling the ground with the hand to detect heat along the edge to locate and extinguish any remaining hot spots. The fire is being patrolled and monitored along secured firelines. Smoke may be visible in the future as isolated internal pockets of unconsumed fuel continue to smolder.
Firefighters also continued to work on a deep-seated heat source in a dry lakebed near Banana Lake on the southwest side of the fire. While there were no visible flames, access was difficult due to soft terrain. Sprinklers are now in use to suppress the area and prevent spread. The site will be closely monitored as fuels burn out under controlled conditions.
A suppression repair plan is currently being developed to reduce the impacts caused by fire suppression activities. An initial attack group remains ready to respond to any new starts near the incident.
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Fire activity remains minimal, with mostly creeping and smoldering.
A ridge of high pressure will result in warm, dry conditions with light winds through Monday. Expect easterly winds on Sunday afternoon with minimum humidity values in the upper teens. Winds become westerly again on Monday afternoon. Overnight humidity recoveries will be poor on mid-slopes and higher elevations.
EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES & KEY MESSAGES
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 near the fire area.
