wildfire

Updated 5 p.m.

Updated 06/21/21, 5 p.m. 

PHOENIX (AP) — Much of the American West has been blasted with sweltering heat this week as a high pressure dome combines with the worst drought in modern history to launch temperatures into the triple digits, toppling records even before the official start of summer.

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Montana’s firefighting aircraft are returning to duty Friday after a helicopter crash grounded the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation fleet as major wildfires broke out this week.

The Robertson Draw Fire burning 24,273 acres south of Red Lodge has been identified as human caused, according to the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office. The fire is 0% contained.

Sheriff Josh McQuillen says his office is investigating with the U.S. Forest Service. They’ve identified a suspect and been in contact, but that person is not in custody.

Update 06/16/21, 9:30 a.m.

The Robertson Draw Fire burning south of Red Lodge along the eastern edge of the Beartooth Front has grown to 21,000 acres, according to the latest InciWeb post Wednesday morning.

An update from the Custer Gallatin National Forest at 10 p.m. Tuesday night said evacuation orders now cover the area south of Highway 308 from Red Lodge to Highway 72, and east of Highway 72 to the Wyoming border. The order excludes the towns of Belfry and Bearcreek. Bearcreek is under an evacuation warning, meaning residents should be prepared to evacuate if necessary.