A wildfire that started on Friday at the upper end of Blacktail Canyon, 4 miles southeast of Butte, has grown to nearly 100 acres overnight. By Saturday, more air tankers and helicopters have joined the firefighting effort.
The fire was reported shortly before 3 p.m. Friday in the Homestake Pass area between Interstate 90 and Highway 2, sending billowing plumes of smoke into the air as firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service and area departments rushed to the scene.
By early Friday evening, air tankers and helicopters had joined the operations, with more expected on Saturday.
The fire is burning in large amounts of dead and downed lodgepole pine trees, creating additional hazards and affecting progress, according to officials with the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.
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An evacuation warning was issued early Friday evening for Blacktail Canyon Road southeast of Homestake Road and Homestake Road east of Blacktail Canyon Road. Residents were asked to be prepared to evacuate, but no evacuation order was in place.
The cause of the fire is unknown, but overhead infrared images show it has reached 96 acres. It has been officially named the Blacktail Canyon Fire.
The fire is within Butte-Silver Bow County and is getting close to the Jefferson County line, according to J.P. Gallagher, Butte-Silver Bow’s chief executive.
Efforts are being made to protect houses in the direct line of the fire. Basin Creek Reservoir, Butte’s main source of drinking water, is not immediately threatened, but precautions are being taken.
Despite concerns, the Butte 100 mountain biking race was held on Saturday after being rerouted. Traffic along Interstate 90 was not affected. Campsites around Homestake Lake were closed for firefighting operations.
Firefighters are working to construct firelines and assess critical areas at risk. Crews are focused on protecting private structures in the area.
The dry weather conditions are challenging for firefighting efforts, with the possibility of thunderstorms over the weekend.
Smoke from the fire may persist in the area, affecting visibility. Efforts to clear the area around Basin Creek Reservoir have been ongoing to prevent potential fire hazards.
The landscape conditions pose a significant risk, as mountain pine beetles have left large amounts of fuel for potential wildfires. Clearing operations have been a priority to mitigate these risks.
Mike Smith is a reporter at the Montana Standard with a focus on government and politics.
