The latest news on wildfires around western Montana.
Last update 3:30 p.m. 09/02/16
A new wildfire burning outside of Helena is proving to be a formidable challenge for firefighters and today’s weather wasn’t helping much.
It’s called the Rattlesnake Fire and is burning near Marysville, northwest of Helena.
Fire Information Officer Crystal Beckman says the Rattlesnake took off fast after igniting in grass and timber.
"The fire was reported at 6:00 p.m. yesterday – on Thursday. Right now they’re looking at lightning being the cause of the fire. We were reporting 650 acres when they flew it last night. Now we’re up to 900 acres."
The wildfire is not threatening structures. Beckman says firefighters are still throwing lots of resources at it.
"We have engines from the DNRC, the Forest Service, local volunteer fire departments and 5 smokejumpers. Air attack is in place (as well as) heavy equipment."
The Canyon Creek Wildlife Management Area is currently closed to the public, along with the Sieben Block Management Area.
A Red Flag Warning is posted for the Helena area until 6:00 this evening.
Update: 10:34 a.m. 09/02/16
Officials on the Nez Perce Fire burning 11 miles northeast of Butte have declared an emergency closure of the surrounding Forest Service roads as of yesterday afternoon.
A map of the closures can be seen here.
The 28,460 acre Copper King Fire eight miles outside of Thompson Falls is 50 percent contained. The fire is estimated to cost $20.3 million dollars so far.
Because of lower temperatures and increased humidity, officials on the Copper King Fire say that air quality will improve over Labor Day Weekend.
Yesterday crews dropped 90,000 gallons of water and 19,000 gallons of retardant on the fire around the Munson Creek area in hopes of minimizing spread until containment lines are built.
As of noon on September 1, Yellowstone National Park has implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions throughout the park.
The Stage 2 restrictions include essentially banning campfires, serious restrictions on smoking, and strong limitations on any spark-producing activities. A full description of the Stage 2 restrictions can be seen here.
The Roaring Lion Fire five miles outside of Hamilton grew five acres in the Ward Bowl area yesterday. Officials says this is to be expected as pockets of fuel dry out and burn.
The 8,658 acre fire remains 70 percent contained.