Bradley Creek Fire Near Norris [UPDATE]

The Bradley Creek Fire near Norris continues to burn. As of 1 p.m. today, the fire had consumed approximately 1.700 acres, according to Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation.

The fire was first reported on Sunday afternoon (Aug 23) around 3 p.m. in the Bradley Creek drainage outside Norris between highways 287 & 84. A section of Hwy 287 in Norris was shut down on Sunday evening because of smoke, but it was re-opened soon after.

Madison County, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation were all involved in initial firefighting efforts.

A wind-shift on Sunday afternoon created some challenges for firefighters, as the fire was pushed to the west and south. Large air tankers were called in to conduct fire retardant drops, and crews worked on the fire throughout the night.

At 10:00 a.m. Monday morning, fire management was transferred to the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation County Assist Team. Currently, crews are attempting to continue building and improving fire lines, monitoring for hot spots, burning out areas of unburned vegetation within the fire’s perimeter, and mop-up where possible.

No injuries or deaths have been reported; however, there has been some livestock lost to the fire. A high-voltage powerline also sustained damage and remains threatened by potential fire spread.

The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) County Assist Team is in place and managing the fire under the direction of Incident Commander David Hamilton. Madison County, Montana State University, and inter-agency fire cooperators are all working to battle this blaze.

This is a developing story.

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