Single Publication

BLACKTAIL CANYON FIRE

Incident Commander J. Willoughby
Location:  southeast of Butte, MT between Interstate 90 and Highway 2
Start Date: 7/19/2024 
Cause: Unknown
Size: estimated at 150 acres
Resources on Site:  8 air tankers, 6 helicopters, 3 engines, 1 type 1 “hotshot” hand crew, 1 type 2 hand crew

KEY MESSAGES:  
The Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department has issued an evacuation warning for Blacktail Canyon Road southeast of Homestake Road and Homestake Road east of Blacktail Canyon Road. This warning means residents should be prepared to evacuate but are not yet under an evacuation order.

The Blacktail Canyon fire is a developing situation and has the potential to change rapidly. Updates will be posted to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF Facebook page. In addition, an Inciweb page will be shared once established.

CURRENT STATUS: 
Seven Large Air Tankers (LAT) and a Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT) dropped fire retardant during the afternoon and evening hours. Six helicopters provided aerial support through water bucket drops to help cool hot spots. Engines crews, a 20-person crew, and other firefighters assisted on the ground.

Working in cooperation with the Butte-Silver Bow community officials, fire managers have identified and prioritized critical values at risk, focusing available resources and current efforts on the protection of the private structures in the Blacktail Canyon and Homestake Road areas. Local Fire Department engines provided structure protection in these areas. Additional resources, including three type 2 hand crews, have been ordered. As they arrive, fire managers and agency officials will collaborate to utilize resources to protect the prioritized values.

Firefighters are currently scouting for areas to access the fire and safe anchor points for fireline construction. Protecting life and property and ensuring firefighter safety are of the utmost importance. The fire moved to the south and east today.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Fire behavior was active throughout the afternoon and evening hours, with single tree and group torching and short-range spotting observed. Aerial observations included several actively burning spots.

Hot, dry conditions will persist over the weekend and into much of next week. Relative humidity recovery overnight will be poor, especially at upper elevations. Winds will be from the northeast at 5-15 mph. There is a slight chance for afternoon thunderstorms over the weekend.