Single Publication

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

Cause: Human, under investigation     Size: 14,250 acres Containment: 32% 

CURRENT STATUS AND PLANNED ACTIONS 

Yesterday, fire growth was minimal as crews successfully maintained control and containment lines along the fire’s edge. The primary concern continues to be islands of unburned fuel within the perimeter, which could produce embers capable of sparking spot fires outside established containment lines. The southwest portion of the fire saw an increase in fire activity with a flare-up occurring. Overnight crews patrolled and secured lines, with the focus on mopping up residual heat to hold the fire within the perimeter. 

Today, burning interior fuel pockets remain a significant concern due to the potential for embers to ignite spot fires outside established containment lines. Crews will patrol and secure line along Jimtown Road on the west portion of the fire. To the north, firefighters will continue with tactical firing operations in the Bar Gulch area. Crews will construct and improve hand line along the fire’s edge in the Hellgate Gulch area on the east flank of the fire. To the south, crews will continue to patrol and conduct mop-up operations within the fire perimeter, and identify areas needing suppression repair. Winds are expected to shift from the west-northwest to the northeast over the coming days, providing crews with favorable conditions to reinforce and secure control lines.  

The structure protection group will continue to work in Magpie gulch, assessing homes for defensible space and improving control lines making it harder for fire to reach structures.  

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR 

A chance of thunderstorms is forecasted, with the possibility of gusty and erratic winds. Temperatures will be in the 90's. Predominant W-NW winds today are forecasted at 15 mph with gusts up to 20-25 mph. 

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES 

Evacuations: 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 non-residents from Canyon Ferry Village to the Broadwater County line.  

Campground Closure: Campground closures include Hellgate, Court Sheriff, Chinamen’s Gulch, and Riverside. 

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