Single Publication

Video Update: https://fb.watch/ts9Z6maOs1/ 

Deadman, McGhee, Prairie, and Four Mile Fires 

Bureau of Land Management Montana-Dakotas State Office 

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation 

Fire Information 406-924-3831  2024.Deadman@firenet.gov 

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtmts-deadman-fire www.facebook.com/RosebudCountyDisasterAndEmergencyServices 

Saturday, July 20, 2024 

Northern Rockies Team 3, Incident Commander Mike Behrens  

Location:  South of Birney, Montana and north of Tongue River Reservoir in Rosebud and Big Horn Counties 

Start Date: 7/12 and 7/13/2024 

Cause: Lightning    

Size:   Deadman: 19,982   McGhee: 19,223   Prairie: 6,540   Four Mile: 2,082  

Completion/Containment:   Deadman: 35%   McGhee: 9%   Prairie: 100%   Four Mile: 100%   

KEY MESSAGE  

By this morning, crews had completed burnout operations along the Tongue River Road and the Hanging Woman Creek Road on the McGhee Fire. Yesterday, firefighters also mopped up around the residences where they had conducted protective burnouts along the east flank. On the southwest corner of the Deadman Fire, the fire crossed into dry grass on the west side of the Tongue River during Thursday night’s thunderstorm, and the smokejumper module with the support of engines was able to confine it to an eight-acre area Friday morning. Mopping up continued on the north edges of the Prairie Fire while information was gathered for suppression repair needs, and the Prairie Fire is now contained. The Four Mile Fire is also completely contained.  

CURRENT STATUS 

The hotshot crews and engines will secure and hold the areas where firing has been conducted during the previous few shifts. Mop up of residual hotspots will begin on the perimeter of the McGhee Fire. Unburned islands of pine and juniper trees still exist in the interior of the McGhee Fire, with the potential for spotting up to ½ mile. Areas for suppression repair actions are being scouted on the Prairie Fire. There is a temporary flight restriction (TFR) over the fire area and initial attack resources assigned to these fires will help with any new lightning starts within the TFR. 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR 

Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 88 F and 28 percent relative humidity. Winds will generally be north-northeasterly, with gusts to 18 mph. Thunderstorms are likely this afternoon with a chance of wetting rain at 10 percent.  Individual tree torching has the potential to create spot fires, which will readily sustain spread. Smoke from regional fires in Canada is making its way into the area.  

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES 

Stage 1 fire restrictions are in place in Bighorn County. Visit www.mtfireinfo.org for current Montana fire restrictions information. 

The Big Horn County Sheriff has lifted its evacuation warning for the Four Mile Fire and Tongue River Reservoir area. 

The Rosebud County Sheriff has lifted the evacuation warning for the area north of the McGhee Fire.