Single Publication

Incident Commander J. Willoughby
Location:  southeast of Butte, MT between Interstate 90 and Highway 2
Start Date: 7/19/2024 
Cause: Undetermined
Size: estimated at 68 acres 
Resources on Site:  3 engines, 1 helicopter, 3 type 1 “hotshot” hand crews, 4 type 2 hand crews
Total Personnel Assigned:  159

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

CURRENT STATUS/PLANNED ACTIONS: 
The fire stayed within its current footprint again yesterday.

Three “hotshot” crews began construction of direct fireline (immediately adjacent to the fire’s edge) by removing fuels and mitigating “snag” hazards, starting at the southwest corner of the fire in the Beaver Pond Meadows area and progressing northerly along both flanks or sides of the fire. Additional crews assisted with fireline construction by mid-day, bringing the total number of crews to five. These crews will “spike out” or camp near the fire to decrease travel time back and forth, maximizing efficiency and increasing firefighter safety. Helicopters will supply the firefighters with food and water through aerial delivery of “sling loads” attached to the bottom of the helicopter with a lead line and swivel.

The interior of the fire continues to burn in large amounts of dead and down lodgepole pine trees, posing additional hazards and affecting on-the-ground progress. Ensuring firefighter safety and protecting life and property are of the utmost importance during any incident.

Working in cooperation with the Butte-Silver Bow 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, Homestake Road and Passmore Canyon areas. (Local Fire Department engines have provided structure assessments.)

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Fire behavior was moderate yesterday, with single tree torching, smoldering, and creeping observed, despite the hot and dry conditions. Smoke from the fire may be visible from numerous areas around Butte. East/northeast winds will continue today, with an increased chance of thunderstorms and associated gusty, erratic winds. Hot and dry conditions continue through Wednesday, with isolated thunderstorms. Increased winds and showers enter the area, as the ridge of high pressure breaks down on Thursday.