Single Publication

Start Date: July 9, 2024 

Location: 5 miles south of York, MT

Cause: Human, under investigation 

Size: 12,797 acres

Containment: 0%

***Another Red Flag Warning has been issued from noon until midnight today for hot temperatures, gusty winds, and low relative humidity levels over the fire area. Peak winds are expected around 9 PM this evening.***

Current Status

Crews worked hard yesterday holding and building new line in key locations around the fire area amidst the uncooperative weather. Fire activity remained moderate in the morning until the inversion lifted around 2pm. Then, activity picked up, especially on the densely-forested ridges on the northern side of the fire. The gusty winds caused a spot fire approximately 5 acres in size to the north of the main fire area and both ground resources and aircraft focused their efforts to contain it. Dozers worked to build line south of Hedges Mountain through Neversweat Gulch into Magpie Creek in advance of the fire. Hand crews continued building line northward along the western edge. In addition, engine and hand crews began structure assessments and protection efforts in the communities threatened by the fire. Night operations focused on holding the line and patrolling the perimeter watching for spot fires. To protect a Forest Service cabin, they performed a firing operation during the night, as well.

Today, additional ground resources are expected to arrive. They will be put to work alongside existing crews building fire line and protecting structures. The Horse Gulch Fire currently has 4 Super Scoopers, 2 Type 1 helicopters (largest), 1 Type 2 helicopter, and 1 Type 3 helicopter (smallest) assigned. With the prolonged hot and dry weather, fire activity is picking up across the region.

Weather and Fire Behavior

Skies will be mostly clear with a light haze. Max temps are expected to be 84-89F in the valley with minimum RH at 13 - 17%. Winds are predicted to be 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph from the west/northwest.

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.

Road Closure: Canyon Ferry Road is closed at Canyon Ferry Village to the Broadwater County line. Campground closures include Hellgate, Court Sheriff, Chinamen’s Gulch, Goose Bay, and Riverside.

Forest Closure: The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest has issued a road, trail, and area closure order, which can be found at Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest - Home (usda.gov) 

BLM Closure: The Butte Field Office has issued a closure on BLM lands near the fire area. https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/mthlf-horse-gulch-fire/signed-blm-area-closure-07-14-2024