Horse Gulch Fire

Containment grew on the Butler Peak Fire burning northwest of Missoula as fire weather became critical on Wednesday.

A new wildfire northwest of Missoula prompted evacuations Monday; containment is growing on two other major fires in western and central Montana.

The Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department issued an Evacuation Warning for Blacktail Canyon Road southeast of Homestake Road and the Homestake Road east of Blacktail Canyon Road due to the Blacktail Canyon Fire burning south of Interstate 90.

The Horse Gulch Fire burning north of Canyon Ferry Reservoir remained at 14,250 acres as of Thursday morning. Managers said they kept control of existing lines on the fire’s perimeter to limit its growth. Evacuation warnings remain in place in the area.

July 17 Fire Update: Evacuation warning remain in place near the Miller Peak and Horse Gulch fires.

Residents who had been evacuated from the area between Jimtown Road and Hellgate Gulch Road south of Canyon Ferry Road are allowed to return to their homes if they provide proof of residency. That can include a driver’s license, utility bills, vehicle registration or tax documents.

The Horse Gulch Fire burning south of York on the Lewis and Clark National Forest grew to more than 11,600 acres as of noon Saturday, according to officials. The blaze remains at 0% containment.Fire managers announced a public meeting set for 6 p.m. Saturday at East Helena High School. The meeting was livestreamed on the Horse Gulch Fire Facebook page.

The Horse Gulch Fire near Helena grew to over seven thousand acres Thursday. The Lewis & Clark County Sheriff issued a new evacuation order around 5:15 p.m. for Jimtown Road and York Road up to Vigilante Campground.

The Lewis and Clark National Forest has confirmed to Montana Public Radio that a Single Engine Air Tanker working the 450 acre Horse Gulch Fire south of York crashed today. Evacuations have been ordered for the Cave Creek area near the fire.