Single Publication

Location: 14 miles west of Grant, MT      Start Date: August 23, 2024

Cause: Undetermined                       Size: 3450 acres             Containment: 0%

CURRENT STATUS + PLANNED ACTIONS:

The Big Hollow Fire, located in the Big Hollow drainage 14 miles west of Grant, MT, is currently 3,450 acres. The fire is mainly burning through sage and grass on private and Bureau of Land Management land, although the northern edge has pushed into timbered land managed by the Forest Service. The entirety of the fire is being managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

Firefighting activities yesterday included establishing a dozer line along the north flank of the fire and conducting retardant drops along the northeast flank. The current Type 3 Incident Command structure continues to engage additional resources as they arrive. Today, crews will take advantage of lessened fire behavior to increase containment. Though containment sits at 0%, fire behavior overnight and into the morning has been low to moderate and most of the forward progression of the fire has been stopped. The percentage is expected to increase as crews continue to establish and secure containment lines, in preparation for any wind events that should occur. 

The cause of the fire remains undetermined.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Yesterday afternoon and into the evening saw active fire behavior, with spotting occurring along the northeast flank of the fire. Higher than predicted winds out of the west, with gusts up to 20-30 mph, made containment efforts difficult through the afternoon. The high winds resulted in the fire pushing eastward by 1 mile, although growth was checked within the Grime Creek drainage.

Today’s forecast shows a small chance of showers along with a high of 57 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds are predicted to range from 5-9 mph, beginning out of the northwest and shifting to the southeast in the afternoon. 

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES

All evacuation orders have been lifted. The public has also been asked to remain clear of the area to avoid impeding firefighting activity. For updates on evacuations, visit the Inciweb page.