HELENA — The Horse Gulch Fire that began on July 9th south of York is now 92% contained and has scorched approximately 15,167 acres as of Monday morning (July 22, 2024).
The specific cause of the fire has not been determined yet, but it is believed to be “human-caused.” Lewis & Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton mentioned a few days ago that they have suspects and are still investigating.
No homes or structures have been destroyed.
The poor air quality in the vicinity of the Horse Gulch Fire and Helena is primarily due to smoke from wildfires in Canada. Residents are advised to take precautions to minimize smoke exposure during periods of low air quality.
Drivers are reminded to lower their speed around the fire location to prevent conflicts with emergency vehicles.
Construction repair work on private and BLM land was completed on Sunday. Crews to the west, along Jimtown Road, are patrolling the area to identify any remaining hot spots to prevent potential flare-ups and secure control lines.
Firefighters have located and extinguished lingering heat pockets in Hellgate Gulch to reduce the risk of flare-ups.
MTN News
Repair work continues along the Canyon Ferry Corridor and Hellgate Gulch to assess and address erosion risks along fire lines created by crews and equipment.
On Monday, road graders will be brought in to improve roads in the fire-affected area. Firefighters will persist in seeking out and extinguishing any remaining heat along the northern and western boundaries of the fire.
Crews will also maintain cold trailing and mopping up tasks in these regions. Suppression repair efforts will carry on along Magpie Gulch Road.
Weather-wise, the forecast indicates a continued hot and dry pattern with temperatures expected to reach the low 90s and humidity levels in the high teens to low 20s.
EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES
Evacuations: As of 7/19/24, all evacuation warnings have been lifted.
Road Closure: Residents may only access Jimtown Road from Riverside Road to Trout Creek Road and Black Bear Road. All other roads, except those within the fire perimeter, are open, including Canyon Ferry Road.
Forest Closure: The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest closures remain in effect around the fire zone.
Campground Closure: Vigilante Campground within the forest closure area remains shut. All other campgrounds have reopened as of 7/19/2024.
Click here for further details.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The Helena Area Community Foundation and the TriCounty COAD have established a relief fund to support those impacted by the Horse Gulch Fire. Donations will be utilized for:
- Emergency shelter and sustenance for displaced families
- Medical provisions
- Equipment and supplies for firefighters
- Restoration and reconstruction efforts if needed
Donations can be made online by clicking here, or dropped off at 901 North Benton in Helena.
PILOT DEATH
A firefighter lost their life when a single-engine air tanker (SEAT) crashed into Hauser Lake on Wednesday, July 10. The aircraft was under contract with the U.S. Forest Service and was assisting in firefighting operations by scooping water.
The pilot, identified as Juliana Turchetti, 45 years old – read more here.
