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Deep Creek Canyon Fire Partially Contained

 A burn area from the Deep Creek Canyon Fire is shown on June 20, 2021
Helens-Lewis and Clark National Forest
A burn area from the Deep Creek Canyon Fire is shown on June 20, 2021

Firefighters are optimistic about their progress on the 4,600-acre Deep Creek Canyon Fire southeast of Helena, which was 75% contained as of Monday evening.

Fire spokesperson Margie Ferrucci says up to a half inch of rain Sunday assisted crews mopping up smoldering material along the perimeter. Ferrucci says officials are trying to contain the fire by July 1.

Crews are digging lines along the northwest and northeast sections of the fire as they look for hot spots and unburned fuel.

More than four hundred people are on the fire, which has cost $3.5 million to fight so far, according to a news release.

The release says dry, warming temperatures and gusty winds could spur fire behavior this week. Vigilante Electric Cooperative hopes to return power to the area by Thursday, according to the general manager.

Kevin Trevellyan is Yellowstone Public Radio's Report for America statehouse reporter.

Copyright 2021 Yellowstone Public Radio

Kevin is a UM Journalism graduate student and reporter for MTPR.
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