Montana fire season erupts

 Helena fire erupts to 10,000 acres

The 2024 Montana fire season started in earnest this week with the Horse Gulch fire north of Helena, where over 10,000 acres have burned in three days.

Horse Gulch Fire started July 9 and was human caused, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The fire is five miles south of York, Montana, and the plume of smoke can be seen from Helena.

The fire blew up Thursday, with hot, dry weather and wind.

Ffirefighters used a combination of direct and indirect strategies along the west and south parts of the fire to hold the fire north of Canyon Ferry Road and east of Jimtown Road.

Fire growth occurred mainly to the north and east yesterday afternoon and evening. Firefighters continued to reinforce fire line along the south side of the fire to prevent it from spreading onto private land. Crews responded to active fire in several locations and were able to hold the fire line from Jimtown Road east out to Little Hellgate Gulch, north of Canyon Ferry. The fire moved to the east and into an old fire scar area which slowed the fire’s movement. Fire activity increased on the northwest side of the fire due to the alignment of wind and terrain, prompting the Sheriff’s Office to order evacuations from York north to Vigilante Campground.

Here is a map of the Horse Gulch fire as of July 12, 2024

Evacuations and Closures: Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office issued evacuations for the following areas:

• Canyon Ferry Road - from Jimtown Road to the Broadwater County line;
• All roads north and south of Canyon Ferry Road between Jimtown Road to Broadwater County line;
• Cave Gulch to Magpie Gulch north of Canyon Ferry Road;
• Jimtown Road to York and York Road north to Vigilante Campground.

Canyon Ferry Road is closed at Canyon Ferry Village to the Broadwater County line.

The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest issued a road, trail, and area closure order. Details about the Closure Order can be found on the Forest website at Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest - Home (usda.gov)