Fire crews battle Deadman Fire in Southeast Montana

Firefighters are actively fighting four large wildfires in Southeast Montana.

Efforts on the Deadman and McGhee fires involved burnout operations by firefighters on Tuesday, alongside the use of helicopters and airtankers dropping retardant on the McGhee Fire, as reported in an update on Wednesday.

A smokejumper team also conducted burnout operations on the Deadman Fire to bring it down to the Tongue River corridor for better containment. Additionally, a drone was utilized overnight for small burnout operations.

The Deadman Fire, the largest in the region and state, measures at 19,088 acres with 20% containment. The McGhee Fire covers 8,379 acres and is 10% contained, while the Prairie Fire is estimated at 6,540 acres with 50% containment. The Four Mile Fire spans 2,082 acres with 1% containment.

The wildfires, ignited by lightning during a storm on July 12 and 13, are located south of Birney and north of Tongue River Reservoir in Rosebud and Big Horn counties. A Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3 has assumed control of the fire complex.

Fire officials stated that crews are focusing on containment efforts, including burnouts on the south and east sides of the McGhee fire as weather permits. Operations on the Deadman Fire involve conducting small burnouts on the west side to guide the fire down to the river, while patrols are ongoing for the Four Mile Fire. The Prairie Fire is being closely monitored due to diminished heat activity.

Evacuation warnings are in effect in Big Horn County for residents in specified areas. Officials anticipate winds with a northeastern direction on Wednesday, potentially aiding in limiting fire spread. Weather remains dry and hot with possibilities of slight precipitation on Thursday. Active fire behavior and group torching are expected, particularly in timber and juniper tree-heavy areas.

In Rosebud County, residents along Tongue River Road are under evacuation warning. This advisory urges people to stay informed and be prepared to evacuate if conditions change suddenly.

Northern Rockies Team 3