Butler Creek Fire — 7 miles northwest of Missoula
A new wildfire burning just north of Missoula is prompting evacuation orders and warnings. The Butler Creek Fire was first reported early Monday morning and was burning an estimated 307 acres as of 3 p.m. Ground and aerial crews are responding to the blaze, which is 15% contained.
The Missoula County Sheriff’s office has lifted all evacuation orders and warnings related to the Butler Creek Fire North of Missoula as of Tuesday afternoon. Residents of evacuation-affected areas are allowed to return to their homes. That includes residences on Lavelle Creek Road and on the west side of Butler Creek Road. The Missoula County Sheriff’s office reminds residents that firefighting operations are still active, and to drive slower and yield to emergency vehicles.
Blacktail Canyon Fire — 4 miles southeast of Butte
A wildfire burning four miles southeast of Butte sparked on July 19 and was burning an estimated 68 acres as of Monday morning. More than 150 personnel are responding to the Blacktail Canyon Fire, which has experienced little growth since it first flared up.
Residents in the following areas are under an evacuation warning, and should be prepared to leave with little notice if fire conditions change:
- Blacktail Canyon Road southeast of Homestake Road and Homestake Road east of Blacktail Canyon Road.
Managers say they are prioritizing protecting structures near the fire, and hotshot crews are working to establish fire lines along the perimeter.
Miller Peak Fire — 8 miles southeast of Missoula
Containment on the Miller Peak Fire grew for the first time over the weekend. Managers reported the 2,481-acre blaze was 10% contained as of 11:30 a.m. Monday.
Despite active fire behavior fueled by gusty winds, high temperatures and low humidity, officials said they were able to limit fire growth on Saturday and Sunday.
More than 600 personnel are working the wildfire, including 19 engine crews, 3 helicopters and 17 hand crews.
An evacuation warning remains in place for residents living between 14380 Upper Miller Creek Road and 7018 Upper Miller Creek Road.
Horse Gulch Fire — 5 miles south of York
The Horse Gulch Fire burning on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest is nearing full containment, officials reported Monday morning. The blaze had burned 15,167 acres and reached 92% containment.
Fire managers said smoke diminishing air quality in the Helena area is largely due to wildfires burning in Canada.
All evacuation warnings for the fire have been lifted.
