Montana’s fire season has intensified, with 48 new fires igniting in the past week alone. Since the beginning of 2024, over 48,060 acres have burned, with incidents since July 21 accounting for 65% of this total. Fire conditions have worsened due to dry fuels and persistent windy conditions, leading to increased fire activity. State officials had anticipated this surge after an initially quiet summer.
In recent days, lightning-related fires have prompted evacuation warnings, particularly affecting areas threatened by the Horn Fire and the McAllister Fire. The Horn Fire, which began on August 13, required evacuation orders for residents near Madison County’s U.S. Highways 87 and 287. These orders were rescinded after successful firefighting efforts. As of Tuesday, the Horn Fire had consumed 2,800 acres and was 75% contained, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. No structures have been reported damaged.
Additional significant wildfires in the region include the Bivens Creek and Cloudrest fires, both ignited by lightning in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The Bivens Creek Fire, located 10 miles east of Sheridan, had expanded to 2,267 acres. It poses a threat to structures, and 232 personnel have been deployed for firefighting efforts. Meanwhile, the Cloudrest Fire, northeast of Sheridan, has engulfed 1,190 acres with 32 responders on-site. The Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 6 is managing these fires and providing additional resources to assist the Madison Ranger District.
Another concern is the McAllister Fire, near Ennis, which has burned 3,500 acres as of Tuesday and is 50% contained. Evacuation warnings are in effect for residents between Bradley Creek and Shining Mountains West. Although there are no road closures, officials advise residents to be ready to evacuate. Firefighting resources include several engines and three hand crews actively working to contain the blaze.
Governor Greg Gianforte highlighted the challenges posed by recent fire growth, attributing it to dry and windy conditions. The state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is responding aggressively to all new fire starts. The state’s firefighting budget has seen an expenditure of approximately $9.9 million this year, with $93.1 million still available. Adjustments to these costs are expected following negotiations with federal authorities. Despite the challenges, cooler nighttime temperatures and high humidity have aided firefighting efforts. Matt Hall of the Montana DNRC noted ongoing risks due to escalating warmer and drier conditions, especially in southern Montana.
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