ASHLAND — ASHLAND – Two of the state’s largest wildfires have combined despite the increased resources being deployed by state and federal authorities to combat them.
The merging of the Deadman Fire and the Anderson Fire was confirmed on Sunday by the Rosebud County Disaster and Emergency Services, resulting in a single wildfire covering an estimated area of nearly 16,000 acres with no containment reported.
Prior to this merging, the largest wildfire in the state near Helena, the Horse Gulch Fire, was estimated to be just under 13,000 acres as of Monday.
The combined fires are now being collectively referred to as the Deadman Fire by fire officials. These wildfires, along with several others in the region, were ignited by dry lightning on July 12 and 13, including the McGhee, Prairie Dog, Hackley, and Four-Mile fires. The total area affected by these wildfires is estimated at 22,000 acres with no containment reported.
Rosebud County Disaster and Emergency Services
A Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3 assumed control of these fires at 6 a.m. on Monday, as per fire officials. Evacuations have been ordered in certain areas.
RELATED:Deadman Fire in Rosebud County forces residents to evacuate
Here is the latest status update on the fires from the Rosebud County Disaster and Emergency Services:
CURRENT STATUS
Landowners, ranchers, local fire departments, and state and federal land agencies have been working tirelessly over the past few days to contain these fires, making significant progress. Crews have been constructing fire lines and conducting burnout operations to advance. Last night, the McGhee Fire moved northwest towards Birney. Today, the Flathead Interagency Hotshot Crew and other resources will work on connecting fire lines to secure that area. The prevailing wind direction today is expected to be favorable. The team is evaluating requirements, devising a plan, and requesting resources, although with the escalating fire season in Montana, resources may become strained.
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Fuel moisture levels are low, resulting in erratic fire behavior even in the absence of strong winds. The fire is spreading through grass and mixed shrubs, even during the night. Spotting may be a concern throughout the day, especially with increasing winds. Hot and dry conditions are predicted for the foreseeable future.
CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES
An evacuation warning remains in effect for residents along the Tongue River Road from the Tongue River Bridge at Wall Creek to the southern Rosebud County line. Specific closure information and maps can be found on the Rosebud and/or Big Horn County Facebook Pages.
Rosebud County Disaster and Emergency Services
