The National Forest Service has issued an update tonight on area wildfires. With prolonged hot weather and not very much rain, fire danger remains moderate to high in our area.

Fire Update from the National Forest Service
Fire Update from the National Forest Service
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According to the press release today:

Bozeman and Billings, MT –The Custer and Gallatin National Forests recently have had five small wildland fires over the last several days.  Each of the confirmed fires were from multiple thunderstorms over the past couple days.  As August arrives, fuels also continue to dry out and forest recreationists should continue to be cautious and ensure campfires are completely out.  Never leave a campfire unattended and always carry water and shovel to properly extinguish a campfire leaving all embers cool to the touch.

Across all seven Custer and Gallatin Ranger Districts fire danger is moderate to high.  On Sunday, July 28 the region received heavy lightning with widely scattered showers and localized heavy rain.  Forest resources remain ready to respond to additional wildfire starts and more incoming lightning that may occur in the forecast this week.  Aerial resources will be conducting a reconnaissance flight around midday, Monday, July 29.

Yellowstone Ranger District
Sunlight Fire
Start date:  July 28, 2013
Cause:  Lightning
Location:  North side of Sunlight Peak, approximately 1.5 miles north of the Peak
Legal:  5N, 11E Section 33
Current Size:  1/4 acre
Resources Assigned:  4 helitack firefighters
Current Status:  This fire was discovered at approximately 3:30 and received heavy wetting rain.  Firefighters determined the fire was contained around 8:00 p.m. Sunday evening and will continue to monitor and mop-up any additional smokes through today.

Yellowstone R.D. and Park County Assist Fire
Sheep Mountain Fire – Park County Assist
Start date:  July 28, 2013
Cause:  Lightning
Location:  Sheep Mountain
Size upon Initial Attack:  2-3 acres
Resources Assigned:  Yellowstone Ranger District arrived on scene and assisted with initial attack with helicopter and crew.
Current Status:  Transferred command to Park County.  County assist fire.

Bozeman Ranger District
Smoke Check – False alarm, county burn permit holder, at base of Hyalite corridor.

Ashland Ranger District
Paget Fire
Start date:  July 25, 2013
Cause:  Lightning
Location:  16 miles E/NE of Birney, MT; T5S, R44E, Section 24
Current Size:  approximately four acres
Resources Assigned:  Two BLM engines
Current Status:  Controlled on July 27 at approximately 2:30 p.m.

O’Dell Fire
Start date:  July 25, 2013
Cause:  Lightning
Location:  12 miles NE of Birney, MT; T5S, R44E, Section 35
Current Size:  0.2 acres
Resources Assigned:  1 Forest Service Engine
Current Status:  Controlled on July 27 at approximately 4:30 p.m.

King Fire
Start date:  July 26, 2013
Cause:  Lightning
Location:  9 miles south of Ashland, MT; T4S, R44E, Section 27
Current Size:  0.7 acres
Resources Assigned:  1 BLM Engine
Current Status:  Controlled on July 27 at approximately 3:00 p.m.

 

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