The Old Baldy Fire, burning east of Twin Bridges in the in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, remains zero percent contained. The lightning-caused fire has forced the closure of roads in the Madison Ranger District from Dry Boulder Creek to Old Mill Creek, including Branham Lakes Campground.
Due to favorable weather conditions the 129 acre fire has burned in the interior of the existing perimeter and hasn't increased in size, fire officials say. Crews are attempting to construct containment lines on the east side of the fire, with help from 5 helicopters. Eight-six people are working the fire, including 15 smokejumpers. Additional firefighting resources were expected Wednesday.
The nearly 1,700 acre Horse Creek 2 Fire burning in Big Horn County is now 50 percent contained. The fire, burning in grass, shrubs and ponderosa pine, is displaying moderate fire behavior. Forty-one firefighters are on scene along with 4 engines and one helicopter. The cause of the fire which started on Monday is unknown.
The Falling Star Fire that burned nearly 2,300 acres in Stillwater County is now 100 percent contained.The fire is reported as human caused, but the details of its start have not yet been released.
Managers report little change today on the Magpie Rock Fire near Dixon. The fire remains around 3,500 acres, and 330 personnel continue work on mop-up, according to an update from the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire. The D-6000 road between Revais and Magpie, as well as Magpie D-5000 road remain closed.
Most of south central and western Montana is under Stage 1 fire restrictions or county burn bans.
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