Single Publication

Start Date & Location: July 22, 2024, Butler Creek Road, Missoula
Cause: Human caused          Size: 307 acres          Containment: 70%

KEY MESSAGE
A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the Missoula area from Wednesday 12:00pm- 9:00pm on July 24th. Firefighters will remain vigilant as these conditions can create rapidly changing fire behavior. Stage II fire restrictions remain in effect. All open burning and campfires remain prohibited. Please go to MTfireinfo.org to review fire restrictions in your area.

CURRENT STATUS
Containment on the Butler Creek fire is at 70% and suppression efforts continue. Containment is a measure of confidence that the control line around the fire will effectively halt fire spread. The incident has transitioned to a local Type 4 organization. There are 31 personnel on the fire, including 3 engines, 1 dozers, and 1 skidgen. Crews will continue “mop up” operations along the fire perimeter, systematically patrolling to detect and extinguish any residual heat sources. Firefighters will continue to focus on securing line and keeping fire in established footprint. Public and firefighter safety remains the top priority for operations. Crews may remain in the area for many days to come completing their mop up operations.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
A Red Flag Warning is in effect and fire danger remains extreme. A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger. Wednesday will see a high of 103 degrees, low humidities, and high winds from the west predicted in the afternoon and evening to reach 30mph. There is a chance of afternoon and evening thunderstorms and dry lightning with light precipitation. A cold front will be moving into the area Thursday bringing high winds and sustained pockets of thunderstorms. Hazey conditions will continue in the area. Current air quality can be found at fire.airnow.gov.

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES
All evacuation orders, warning, and road closures in the area have been lifted. Area residents should remain vigilant and are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at Smart911.com. Continue to monitor the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office for evacuation updates and information as conditions can change rapidly, especially with the Red Flag weather conditions. Drivers are urged to reduce speed around the fire area to eliminate conflicts with emergency traffic.

Please visit Inciweb at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-news/mtmts-butler-creek-fire for fire information.