New Fire Burning Near Dillon, Montana

Update August 14th: The Bear Creek Fire grew slightly to 4,200 acres, as crews worked to construct containment lines, and to prepare for and conduct burnout operations to solidify those lines. Two large “scooper planes” dropped water to assist crews on the ground, and helicopters provided aerial support.

Update August 13th:

Update August 12th:

The Bear Creek Fire fire grew to 5,000 acres & burned actively all day Wednesday. Aviation resources grounded & ground resources limited.  Area closure planned & no evacuations at this time.

For updates and more information on this fire click here.

Fire crews are on the scene of a wildfire that's burning near Dillon, Montana. Fire officials were alerted to the fire in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest on Tuesday morning around 10:30 a.m. The fire is being called the Bear Creek Fire and is located near the Idaho/Montana border at Lemhi Pass on the Dillon Ranger District.

By the middle of the day Tuesday, the Bear Creek Fire grew to about 100 acres and due to high winds reached 200 acres by late afternoon.  Smoke from the fire can be faintly seen and smelled in the Gallatin Valley. A large smoke plume can be seen in Dillon, in the Big Hole Valley, Tendoy, Lemhi Valley, and the area surrounding Salmon, Idaho.

At this time, the cause of the fire is unknown according to a release from the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Service.  Federal, state, and local officials responded quickly to the fire. The fire behavior proved difficult for both ground and air responses on the scene.

Red Flag Warning conditions continue. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for high winds, low humidity, and a significant amount of dry fuels through Thursday, August 13th.

Late on Tuesday additional crews including A Type 2 Incident Management Team (IMT), four additional Type 4 Engines, and three Type 1 Crews. The additional crews and equipment will arrive Thursday morning. The following is currently on scene at the Bear Creek Fire:

• Two Type 1 Crews
• Two Type 2 Crews
• A Type 2 Initial Attack crew
• One each Type 2 and Type 3 Helicopters
• Six Type 6 Engines
• 1 tactical Water Tender

To get the latest info on fires that are burning across the state click on the button below.

Gardiner Fire Aftermath Pictures

Here are some amazing pictures taken of the aftermath by Sandra Nykerk.