If you fly, we can’t!
Remember that temporary flight restrictions apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones.

Drone incursions into airspace around active wildfires are on the rise. Firefighting aircraft, including leadplanes, helicopters, airtankers dropping water and retardant, are flying in fast-moving, dangerous conditions as low as 150 feet above the ground. This is a typical altitude for drone (UAS) flight. When you fly, we can't! No photo or video is worth the safety risk. for safety of all emergency responders and yourself during the BobCat Fire, leave your drone at home.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) are in place for air space over the BobCat Fire (FDC0/3873) will lesson impacts to local aviation operators.  

Location: 7 miles southeast of Roundup, MT    

Size:      26,463 acres                            Containment: 0%                    Personnel: 213

Current Status: Yesterday, fire behavior was wind-driven with high activity in the afternoon due to severe fire weather and wind directional shifts. The fire spread to both the east towards Charter road with spotting across Fattig Creek road, and to the west towards Hwy 87. Near Highway 87 the fire was mostly in grass and backing down on its own, with a few pines holding heat overnight, the fire expanded east of Charter road, and south towards Dunn Mountain. The fire spread towards Hwy 87 between Beard road and Rehder road. Firefighters worked through the night to hold the fire on the east side of the highway. The fire has not crossed Hwy 87 at this time.

Evacuated residents were able to briefly return to their homes yesterday morning to gather necessary supplies and check on livestock and property. The evacuations are still in place at this time. Additional evacuations were ordered for areas west of Highway 87 from Juniper Road south to Dillman Road when the fire pushed west towards Highway 87.

Today’s weather forecast will be cooler with temperatures in the mid to upper 70s with winds from 8-13 mph increasing in the afternoon to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. A weak cold front is predicted, shifting wind directions through Monday. Rain is forecasted all day Monday with ¼ to ½ possible.

Planned Actions: Additional resources have arrived at the incident. Firefighters will focus on defending residences, evaluating damage to structures, and holding or improving fire lines. Aerial resources will continue to drop water and fire retardant on hot spots. Air operations may be delayed this morning due to inversion conditions. The weather forecast includes a chance of rain and cooler temperatures on Monday which may slow spread and reduce new starts.

Key Message: Evacuation Orders will be delivered through reverse 911 or code Red notification service. Law enforcement will do their best to issue rapid notifications. However, during an evolving fire situation, if you feel threatened by the fire conditions please don't wait to evacuate. To receive evacuation notices a good option is to sign up through the Code Red application. https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BF9E1C0134E6?isMobile=false&fbclid=IwAR2qOl9kUZ0j33ge_JcuFaNFRhPeOiSVueFt6QF0s3vgX5omD-W04kS6EHw

Closures/Restrictions: Based on fire conditions Highway 87 could be reopened sometime today after being closed between the south entrance to Old divide Road north to the intersection of Highways 12 and 87 last night.

An area closure remains in effect for residents along Highway 87 between Johnny’s Coal road and Old Divide road, Hidden Springs subdivision, residences on Johnny’s Coal road, Fattig Creek road, Turkey Trot drive, Bruner Mountain road, Pine Cone lane, Lookout lane, Taylor Mesa lane, Spring Hollow lane, and Otter Trail. Residential areas currently threatened by fire spread are Johnny’s Coal Subdivision, Bruner Mountain Subdivision, Old Divide Subdivision, and remote structures dispersed along Fattig Creek road and the Signal Peak Coal Mine.

Evacuation Orders will be delivered through reverse 911 or code Red if you have signed up for that notification service. However, during an evolving fire situation if you feel threatened by the fire conditions please don't wait to evacuate. Law enforcement will do their best to make notifications, but this is a rapidly changing fire situation going on this evening along Highway 87 west of the fire area.

Closure of Highway 87 has been rescinded. The highway is now open to both directions of traffic from Roundup and Highway 12 south to Billings.

The Bobcat fire has come into close proximity with Hwy 87 but has not crossed the highway. The Sheriff's Department and State Highway Patrol have determined the highway is safe for travel. Emergency vehicles and firefighters will be active along the highway throughout the day. Law Enforcement Officers caution drivers to use caution, suggest use of headlights and ask that drivers not stop along the highway.
 
 

BobCat Fire
Wildfire Fact Sheet

Saturday, September 5, 2020 at 7:00AM

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7145                          Email: 2020.bobcat@firenet.gov 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musselshellcountydes/      Public Information Phone: (406) 818-5200

Musselshell County DES: https://musselshellcounty.org/services/disaster-emergency-services-des/

Location: 7 miles southeast of Roundup, MT    

Incident Command: Type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 4, Rick Connell, I.C.

Size:      15,766 acres                            Containment: 0%                    Personnel: 144

Current Status: At 6:00 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 4 the Northern Rockies Team 4 assumed command of the BobCat Fire. Yesterday, fire spread continued with warm temperatures and moderate humidity. Fire behavior continues to be wind-driven through grass with mixed ponderosa pine. Fire Crews in all three divisions used direct and indirect attack operations to hold the fire. Fire behavior was active Friday night on the northwest side of the fire, expanding off of Beard road east of Hwy 87. Firefighters fought aggressively to slow the spread, stopping it on the south side of Beard road.

Operations evaluated and corrected the estimated fire perimeter along the south and east sides. While the fire is on the south side of Fattig road, the perimeter does not include Hidden Meadows lane or Hidden Springs road at this time. All three divisions around the fire utilized air support today, including helicopters and retardant drops. Air operations were extremely helpful in holding the fire spread.

A critical fire weather forecast has been issued for today, including winds of 8-17mph in the morning and increases to 20 mph on rides in the afternoon with high daytime temperatures and low humidity levels. Winds will be from the west, shifting to southwest in the afternoon, increasing the chance of spot fires and fire spread and creating fire behavior resistant to control and suppression tactics.

Planned Actions: Firefighting tactics will change tomorrow due to forecasted critical fire weather conditions. An additional Division (operational area with a designed leader) will operate on the northeast flank of the fire. Additional resources are ordered and will be arriving within the next few days. Aerial resources will continue to drop water on hot spots. The weather forecast includes a chance of rain and cooler temperatures on Monday.

Key Message: Evacuated residents may be able to safely return to their homes for a brief period today from 09:00 am - 12:00 pm to gather necessary supplies and check on their livestock and property. The Sheriff’s Department and Northern Rockies Incident Management Team want to make sure that safe travel conditions exist in the restricted area. Check in with the Musselshell County Sheriff’s Dept. will be between 7:00AM and 9:00AM at the Roundup High School. Drive cautiously and be aware of emergency vehicles and firefighting operations traffic.

Restrictions: An area closure remains in effect for Hidden Springs subdivision, residences on Johnny’s Coal road, Fattig Creek road, Turkey Trot drive, Bruner Mountain road, Pine Cone lane, Lookout lane, Taylor Mesa lane, Spring Hollow lane, and Otter Trail. Residential areas currently threatened by fire spread are Johnnys' Coal Subdivision, Bruner Mountain Subdivision, Old Divide Subdivision, and remote structures dispersed along Fattig Creek road and the Signal Peak Coal Mine. Information on these closures is available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7145/.

All area residents are recommended to have a household evacuation plan in place including having all important documents, pictures, prescriptions and pets gathered up and easily transportable. Visit Musselshell County’s DES website at https://www.facebook.com/musselshellcountydes/ or https://musselshellcounty.org/services/disaster-emergency-services-des/ for information about evacuations.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): The current TFR in place for air space over the BobCat Fire (FDC0/3873) will lesson impacts to local aviation operators. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!

Cooperating Agencies: DNRC, BLM, Musselshell County, Bull Mountain Fire Department.

FINAL BRIDGER FOOTHILLS SEASON UPDATE
10/13/2020

Summary
After over a month of above-average temperatures and little to no moisture, the cold front on October 12 dropped welcome moisture on the Bridger Range, helping bring the Bridger Foothills Fire to 100% containment.  A combination of variables led fire officials to this evaluation, including no recent growth to the fire perimeter, continued work of crews to increase containment, the recent precipitation event, as well as overall cooler seasonal conditions.  The Incident Command Type 4 Team led by Paul Monforton will hand remaining patrols and monitoring to local fire resources at the Bozeman Ranger District with support from the Bridger Canyon Fire Department.

Weather/Fire Behavior
Seasonal weather conditions will persist with shorter, cooler days and increased chances of precipitation.  Fire behavior is expected to be very minimal, though occasional smokes may be seen within the fire perimeter. 

Closure Update
The fire area closure on National Forest Lands has been lifted.  All trails and areas in the Bridger Range are now open to the public.  Please continue to use extreme caution when entering areas within the burn zone.

Safety Message
While the weather may be getting cooler, fire season is not over.  If you are using a recreational fire, make sure it is DEAD OUT and cold to the touch before leaving it unattended.  Fuels in the area still remain dry and receptive to ignition.
Be alert and careful while recreation in or near a burn zone.  Stone winds can cause fire-damaged trees to fall over.  Stay on the trail and try to move through the area as quickly as possible to avoid exposure to hazards. 

  Current status: 
A Red Flag Warning will be in effect from noon until 9 pm on Saturday. High gusty winds will persist through the weekend. Crews continue to monitor the fire perimeter for hotspots, and improve portions of contingency line. Additionally, crews continue to improve conditions along sections of road and trails and will be completing suppression repair. Structure assessments are complete, totaling 450 structures evaluated. This will be the last daily update. Updates will move to a Mon/Wed/Fri schedule, unless significant changes occur with fire behavior or personnel activity. 

 WEATHER / FIRE BEHAVIOR 
Strong wind will continue through Sunday, with gusts up to 45 mph at ridgetops. There is a chance of scattered showers throughout the morning, with cloud coverage diminishing in the afternoon. Temperatures remain cool during the day. Saturday night isolated rain showers are predicted, with a chance of wet snow. Light precipitation events are expected through Sunday. Wind and precipitation events will be less significant on the east side of the Bridger Mountains. Fire behavior remains low, with no expected growth.   

 CLOSURES: 
The Forest's area closure includes roads and trails within National Forest System lands south of the Bridger Bowl Ski Area and east of the Bridger Ridge Trail #513, including Pine Creek Trail #538. All other trails are open. Please use extreme caution when entering areas within the burn zone and continue to respect the fire closure boundary. Bridger Canyon Road is open to the public. Travelers should SLOW DOWN and watch for fire traffic  


 SAFETY MESSAGE: 
Wind conditions are expected to remain high today. Strong winds can cause fire damaged trees to fall over. Be cautious when recreating in a burn zone, stay on the trail, and try to move through the area as quickly as possible to avoid exposure to hazards.   

CURRENT STATUS   

High gusty winds are expected through Friday evening. Crews continue to monitor the fire perimeter for hotspots, and improve portions of contingency line. Additionally, crews continue to improve conditions along sections of road and trails and begin suppression repair. Structure assessments are complete, totaling 450 structures evaluated. A virtual community meeting will be hosted tonight, Friday the 25th at 7pm via Custer Gallatin NF Facebook Live and also through DNRC Zoom platform. This will be the final virtual community meeting.

WEATHER/ FIRE BEHAVIOR 

Strong wind will continue throughout Friday, with gusts up to 30mph during the day and reaching 40mph by the evening. A weather system will move into the area Friday evening, bringing potential for scattered showers through Saturday morning. Cooler temperatures will persist through the weekend with moderate relative humidity recovery occurring. Fire behavior remains low, no expected growth today, but due to high winds new ignitions may cause an increase in activity.  

CLOSURES: 

 The Forest's area closure includes roads and trails within National Forest System lands south of the Bridger Bowl Ski Area and east of the Bridger Ridge Trail #513, including Pine Creek Trail #538. Popular trails such as Sypes, Middle Cottonwood, Truman Gulch, Bridger Ridge Trail and access to the "M" are now open for recreational use. Please use extreme caution when entering areas within the burn zone and continue to respect the fire closure boundary. Bridger Canyon Road is open to the public. Travelers should SLOW DOWN and watch for fire traffic.  

 
CURRENT STATUS: 

A Red Flag Warning is in effect until Thursday night. High gusty winds are expected to persist into the afternoon. Hotspots continue on the Northern end, confined within the existing fire perimeter. Crews and aircraft responded to a hotspot last night and will continue to monitor and work on the identified area today. There may be helicopter activity, throughout the day, if wind conditions allow. Structure assessments have been completed, totaling at 453 structures evaluated. A Community Meeting will be hosted via Custer Gallatin NF Facebook Live at 7 pm Friday the 25th.  

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR  The Forest has updated the area closure. The new closure area includes roads and trails within National Forest System lands south of the Bridger Bowl Ski Area and east of the Bridger Ridge Trail #513, including Pine Creek Trail #538. Popular trails such as Sypes, Middle Cottonwood, Truman Gulch, Bridger Ridge Trail and access to the "M" are now open for recreational use. Please use extreme caution when entering areas within the burn zone and continue to respect the fire closure boundary. Bridger Canyon Road is open to the public. Travelers should SLOW DOWN and watch for fire traffic.

CLOSURES

As a cold front approaches this afternoon, strong erratic winds may push through Bridger Canyon, with gusts up to 40 mph. A chance of rain showers is possible through Friday, but potential for wetting rain is minimal. Temperatures will remain warm today, peaking at 70 degrees and cooling off tomorrow. Humidity recovery will be moderate tonight. Fire behavior remains low, but some activity can be expected today due to the Fire Weather conditions.

CURRENT STATUS: 

Wind conditions cause ash to uplift, creating clouds over the burn area. It can be expected that ash clouds will continue to form until a large precipitation event occurs. Firefighters continue to patrol and respond to smoke reports in the interior of the fire. Structure assessments have been completed, over 270 assessments were performed. Line improvement is occurring on the North perimeter of the fire, as full suppression remains an objective of the fire. Containment remains at 83%, and acreage remains at 8,224.  

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: 

A chance of showers and thunderstorms will remain throughout the day, producing minimal wetting rain and high wind events gusting up to 50 mph. Temperatures will continue to be warm today, reaching high 70's. Overnight recovery of conditions continues to be unsubstantial. A fire weather watch will occur Thursday. Fire behavior remains low, but large fuels continue to smolder and sustained creeping through the duff and litter layer is still occurring.

CLOSURES: 

The Forest has updated the area closure. The new closure area includes roads and trails within National Forest System lands south of the Bridger Bowl Ski Area and east of the Bridger Ridge Trail #513, including Pine Creek Trail #538. Popular trails such as Sypes, Middle Cottonwood, Truman Gulch, Bridger Ridge Trail and access to the "M" are now open for recreational use. Please use extreme caution when entering areas within the burn zone and continue to respect the fire closure boundary. Bridger Canyon Road is open to the public. Travelers should SLOW DOWN and watch for fire traffic.