Single Publication

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

Cause: Human, under investigation                Size: 13,299 acres                                          Containment: 10%

Current Status

Yesterday, Horse Gulch fire operations determined the control line would reasonably hold the fire from Cave Gulch Road on the southern edge west along Jimtown Road and north to Kingsberry Gulch. Due to the hard work of crews, equipment operators, and aircraft pilots, that portion of the fire perimeter is contained. Residents who had been displaced by the threat of the Horse Gulch Fire were allowed to return home yesterday but remain under Evacuation Warning status. The area is still closed to the public. Crews completed hand line on the northeast portion of the fire through steep and rugged terrain inaccessible to heavy equipment, connecting with existing dozer line. Additional reinforcement of the fire’s southern border continued as crews transitioned to ‘mop up,’; searching for and extinguishing remaining heat along the fire line. Mop up is the last stage of fire suppression to include cold trailing where active flame and heat continue to be extinguished. Aerial support to fire fighters on the ground was key to the progress made on the Horse Gulch Fire. Night operations observed continued active fire behavior on the northeast side of the fire area due to extremely receptive fuels available to burn.

Today, fire lines will be improved upon by utilizing firing operations on areas of the northern perimeter as the weather allows. The primary focus will be on the northern side of the fire where the fire is most active.  Crews continue to reinforce fire lines at the top of Magpie Gulch. The Structure Group will continue to monitor and check structures throughout the fire area.

Weather and Fire Behavior

Today, winds will calm ahead of possible thunderstorms in the area bringing a slight chance of rain with a very small potential for any impact on fire activity. Temperatures are forecasted to be in the 90s-100, continuing to dry fuels on all aspects leading to fuels being resistant to control efforts. 

Evacuations and Closures

Evacuations (UPDATED): Effective 7/15/24, all evacuation orders transitioned to evacuation warnings, allowing residents of homes and RVs back into their properties. Under evacuation warning, residents should be prepared to leave if conditions change. Sheriff - Lewis & Clark County (lccountymt.gov)

Road Closure: Canyon Ferry Road remains closed to the public from Canyon Ferry Village to the Broadwater County line. 

Forest Closure: The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest updated their forest closure. It 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