ASHLAND – Two of the state’s largest wildfires have combined forces despite the increased resources being poured into the fight by state and federal authorities.
The merging of the Deadman Fire and the Anderson Fire occurred on Sunday as reported by the Rosebud County Disaster and Emergency Services, resulting in a combined wildfire covering nearly 16,000 acres with 20 percent containment on the Deadman Fire.
The previously largest wildfire near Helena, the Horse Gulch Fire, was estimated on Monday to be just under 13,000 acres.
Going forward, the merged fires will be known as the Deadman Fire, according to fire officials. These wildfires, along with others in the region, were ignited by dry lightning on July 12 and 13, including the McGhee, Prairie Dog, Hackley, and Four-Mile fires, bringing the total estimated area of the wildfires to 22,000 acres.
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, with some evacuations ordered.
RELATED: Deadman Fire in Rosebud County forces residents to evacuate
Here is the latest status update 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 to fight these fires over the past few days and have made significant progress. Crews have been constructing fire lines and conducting burnout operations to gain control. The McGhee Fire moved northwest towards Birney last night, and today, resources like the Flathead Interagency Hotshot Crew will be connecting fire lines in that area. The team is assessing needs, planning, and ordering necessary resources amid increasing fire season in Montana.
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Low fuel moisture levels have led to erratic fire behavior even in the absence of strong winds. Fire spread continues in grass and mixed shrubs, including overnight. Spotting is a concern throughout the day, especially with increasing winds. The forecast calls for hot and dry conditions in 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. For specific closure details and maps, visit the Rosebud and/or Big Horn County Facebook Pages.
Rosebud County Disaster and Emergency Services
