Single Publication

Horse Gulch Fire

Start Date: July 9, 2024                                                                                Location: 5 miles south of York, MT

Cause: Human, under investigation                                                               Size: 10,849 acres

Containment: 0%

Northern Rockies Team 8, Type III Incident Management Team led by Incident Commander Brad Bergman

Key Message 

Yesterday, under challenging conditions, firefighters used a combination of direct and indirect strategies along the west and south parts of the fire to hold the fire north of Canyon Ferry Road and east of Jimtown Road.

Current Status

Fire growth occurred mainly to the north and east yesterday afternoon and evening. Firefighters continued to reinforce fire line along the south side of the fire to prevent it from spreading onto private land. Crews responded to active fire in several locations and were able to hold the fire line from Jimtown Road east out to Little Hellgate Gulch, north of Canyon Ferry. The fire moved to the east and into an old fire scar area which slowed the fire’s movement. Fire activity increased on the northwest side of the fire due to the alignment of wind and terrain, prompting the Sheriff’s Office to order evacuations from York north to Vigilante Campground.

Firefighting efforts today will continue to focus on strengthening and reinforcing the fire lines to limit fire spread to the south and west with a focus on keeping the fire from moving onto private lands. Firefighters, heavy equipment operators, and multiple types of aircraft will work to secure and strengthen previously constructed fire line. On the west side of the fire crews will continue to work on fire line construction where safe to do so working north from Jimtown Road.

Weather and Fire Behavior

Today, it will be mostly sunny with 10-15 mph west winds shifting to north winds in the afternoon. Minimum relative humidity levels will be 16-22% and temperatures will increase to 85-95 degrees.

Evacuations and CLosures

Evacuations: The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office issued evacuations for the following areas:

• Canyon Ferry Road - from Jimtown Road to the Broadwater County line;
• All roads north and south of Canyon Ferry Road between Jimtown Road to Broadwater County line;
• Cave Gulch to Magpie Gulch north of Canyon Ferry Road;
• Jimtown Road to York and York Road north to Vigilante Campground.

Note: Canyon Ferry Rd is closed at Canyon Ferry Village to the Broadwater County line.

Closures:The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest issued a road, trail, and area closure order. Details about the Closure Order can be found on the Forest website at Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest - Home (usda.gov)