The initial significant wildfire of the 2024 summer season in Montana was rapidly spreading on Thursday.
Some residents were being evacuated from their homes northeast of Helena as the Horse Gulch fire swept through the Lewis and Clark National Forest. The upcoming weather forecast was worrisome, with increasing smoke causing more issues.
Our team at the Helena Independent Record had been covering the fire for over two days, starting with Phil Drake’s initial report on Tuesday and continuing with on-the-ground coverage by Thom Bridge on Wednesday after a fatal firefighting aircraft crash. Sonny Tapia and Christine Compton provided additional comprehensive reporting. As the Horse Gulch fire became a pressing public safety concern, our focus shifted.
During times when lives and property are in danger, reliable information from a trusted source is crucial. Our team of professional journalists is dedicated to providing timely and accurate updates, especially in high-stakes situations, to keep you informed. This type of reporting is invaluable.
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That’s why, around 3 pm on Thursday, we made our daily Horse Gulch fire story freely accessible by removing the paywall. Subsequent stories on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as the fire exceeded 20 square miles, were also available to read for both subscribers and non-subscribers.
The safety and well-being of our communities and neighbors are the top priorities when facing potentially life-altering news. The subscription status shouldn’t matter in these situations.
There will likely be more wildfires in Montana this year, and our team of over 50 journalists across the state is committed to keeping you informed and providing assistance as needed.
If another fire poses an urgent safety concern, we want to share the information we have with you. The reporting will be accessible to everyone: spread the word, stay informed, and stay safe. Increased knowledge benefits us all.
This is why supporting local journalism through a subscription holds value beyond just a monthly fee. In a landscape where local news coverage is dwindling, we are fortunate to have a strong presence in Montana.
While we may occasionally release stories without a paywall, there is a cost associated with quality journalism, just like any other service. Our dedicated journalists work tirelessly to provide essential local reporting that might otherwise go uncovered.
From investigative pieces to informative articles, our reporters across Montana are committed to serving the community. Your support enables us to continue this vital work.
Our goal is to keep you informed and engaged. We welcome feedback and suggestions on how we can improve and better serve our readers. Communication is key to our mission.
We are all connected in this journey, Montana. Knowledge is power, and together, we can make informed decisions for the betterment of our communities.
Steve Kiggins is a local news director for Lee Enterprises, serving as the executive editor of The Missoulian and for Lee Montana. For inquiries, contact him at steve.kiggins@lee.net. Follow him on X @scoopskiggy.
