Updated 09/16/2022:
The Trail Ridge Fire, burning about 10 miles northwest of the Big Hole National Battlefield, is estimated to be around 17,000 acres and is 30% contained. Cool, wet weather on Tuesday and Wednesday helped to slow down fire progression. The fire is now entering the ‘warning’ stage of the evacuation plan. Cool, humid temps are expected next week which may help mitigate fire behavior.
The No Grass Creek Fire grew to roughly 1,100 acres as of Thursday; fire crews have made progress in containing the fire. A closure order for the area is in effect until November 4 or until the fire rescinds.
As of Thursday, the Eagle Creek Fire is estimated to be 7,200 acres and is 80% contained. 173 personnel are responding to this fire. The Lions and Sandy Creek Campground remain closed. The Beavercreek Road above Upper Bear Paw Lake is open for local and emergency traffic only. Crews are working to slow movement on the north and northeast sides of the fire.
The Bull Gin Complex is at roughly 3,700 acres and consists of three fires: the Government Fire at 2,300 acres, the Billiard fire at 1,100 acres with containment on the west side, and the Isabella Lake Fire at about 280 acres. The low acreage of the Isabella Lake Fire is being monitored aerially. The Government Mountain Road and Timber Ridge Road are closed to the public with additional trail closures in place. The weather in the area for Friday is expected to bring cooler temps, low to mid-60s, and wind gusts of up to 18 mph.
According to MT Fire Info, there are currently 49 active wildfires in Montana, with three in the last 24 hours.
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Smoke from surrounding fires from surrounding states continues to cloud Montana skies. Several wildfires are still burning in the state, with the Trail Ridge Fire being the biggest. Here are some of the biggest fires happening in Montana.
The Trail Ridge Fire was discovered on August 26, southeast of Sula, Montana. On Monday, the fire was estimated to be about 15,000 acres. The update from Tuesday morning’s fire has grown to 17,000 acres and is 18% contained. Over 200 personnel are working to contain the fire. A community meeting about the Trail Ridge fire is scheduled for Tuesday at 7 pm. There is a chance of moisture in the area for Tuesday when dry conditions are expected to change.
The Eagle Creek Fire south of Havre in the Bear Paw Mountains is estimated to be about 7,000 acres as of September 11. The Sandy Creek Campground and the Lions Campground are closed until further notice. Over 200 people are working to contain and extinguish the fire. Crews have the difficult task of mopping up an indirect Fire Line.
The No Grass Creek Fire started Monday and is estimated to be anywhere from 600 to 700 acres, according to the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Fire growth was moving west and northwest, moving towards the boundary of the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest. An area closure is expected. Cooler conditions are expected for Tuesday and for the next week as the Pacific moisture starts coming into the area.
Montana currently has 41 fires burning across the state, with 12 in the last week. Check back for more wildland fire updates on yourbigsky.com
