Single Publication

Location: 10 miles west of Helmville, Montana 

Start Date: 8/23/2024  

Cause: Lightning 

Size: 176 acres 

Containment: 5% 

CURRENT STATUS 

The McElwain Fire, located 10 miles west of Helmville in Powell County, remains at 176 acres in size. Though full assessment by crews will occur today, the fire appears to have stayed within its footprint even with the strong winds that hit the fire yesterday evening. Moisture was received yesterday as well, which helped to moderate fire activity. Control line has been completed around both the south and north fires and firefighters are working to secure the line, extinguishing all heat and flame 100 feet deep. The fire is 5% contained with the anticipation that this will increase later today as line is fully secured.  

The fire is burning in grass and timber on private and Bureau of Land Management land under Montana DNRC wildland fire protection. It is comprised of two adjacent fires, a north fire, and a south fire and fire behavior includes creeping and smoldering with isolated torching. Resources include four engines, two Type 2 hand crews, one eight-person hand crew (Module), one water tender, four skidgines, and one dozer. A Type 2 DNRC helicopter will support as needed.  

WEATHER  

Cooler temperatures and elevated winds continue today, with high pressure redeveloping later this week. Above normal temperatures and minimum relative humidities in the teens and lower 20s are predicted. 

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES 

The Powell County Sheriff’s Office has lifted all evacuation warnings in the area, including residents in the Ledger Road area. Please visit the Powell County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for specific information and further updates. Please use caution if travel is necessary in the area due to increased firefighting traffic. 

ADDITIONAL AREA FIRES 

The Hoodoo Fire, a six-acre lightning caused fire on Hoodoo Mountain seven miles southeast of Helmville is contained and controlled at this time and will be periodically patrolled. The Hoodoo Fire is on BLM land under DNRC wildland fire protection.  

Powell County is currently in Stage 1 fire restrictions. Residents and visitors are asked to be extra careful when outdoors to limit human caused sparks. We cannot control the lightning, but we can prevent unintended human caused wildfires. Visit www.MTFireInfo.org for specific fire restriction information and fire prevention tips.