HELENA — The Horse Gulch Fire experienced minimal growth over the past 24 hours as crews continued to maintain and expand containment lines.
The fire, which was caused by humans, has burned 14,250 acres since it started on July 9. As of Thursday morning, fire officials reported 32% containment, up from 23% reported on Wednesday morning.
Fire officials stated in a press release that the primary concern remains the presence of unburned fuel within the perimeter, which could lead to embers sparking spot fires outside the containment lines.
There was increased fire activity in the southwest part of the fire, with a flare-up occurring. Crews worked overnight to patrol and secure lines, focusing on extinguishing residual heat to keep the fire within the perimeter.
On Thursday, interior burning fuel pockets remain a significant concern due to the potential for embers to ignite spot fires beyond the established containment lines.
“Winds are expected to shift from the west-northwest to the northeast in the coming days, providing favorable conditions for reinforcing and securing control lines,” reported fire officials.
The structure protection group will continue working in Magpie Gulch on Thursday, evaluating defensible space around properties and improving control lines to reduce the risk of the fire reaching structures.
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
A chance of thunderstorms is forecasted, with the possibility of gusty and erratic winds. Temperatures will be in the 90’s. Predominant W-NW winds today are forecasted at 15 mph with gusts up to 20-25 mph.
EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES
Evacuations (UPDATED): Starting from 7/15/24, all evacuation orders have transitioned to evacuation warnings, allowing residents of homes and RVs to return to their properties. Under evacuation warning, residents should be prepared to evacuate if conditions change. Sheriff – Lewis & Clark County (lccountymt.gov)
Road Closure: Canyon Ferry Road is closed to non-residents from Canyon Ferry Village to the Broadwater County line.
Campground Closure: Campground closures include Hellgate, Court Sheriff, Chinamen’s Gulch, and Riverside.
Forest Closure: The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest has updated their forest closure. It can be found at Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest – Home (usda.gov)
BLM Closure: The Butte Field Office has issued a closure on BLM lands near the fire area. https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/mthlf-horse-gulch-fire/signed-blm-area-closure-07-14-2024
