Single Publication

Current Status

Fire Operations reported 30% containment yesterday evening as firefighters made progress over the past couple of days securing the fireline so that portions, such as the south end along the 819 trail, are reasonably expected to stop the fire from spreading further. Crews began mop-up operations, working their way from the fire edge and moving interior when conditions allow to extinguishing pockets of heat. The heavy fuel loading along with a high number of snags (dead, standing trees) falling in the fire area means firefighters must take extra time to evaluate and mitigate hazards prior to engaging in operations.

Yesterday, firefighters located another spot fire about ¼ mile to the east of the main fire. The spot was approximately 10 feet by 20 feet and was successfully lined. Crews continue to monitor for other pockets of heat holding in the fuels to the east of the main fire. On the northwest side of the fire, a feller buncher was used to remove overhead hazards to allow firefighters to safely engage directly along the fire’s edge. Crews remain spread across the entire fire perimeter, patrolling and monitoring for areas of heat to ensure the firelines are holding. Feller bunchers are reducing fuels along the Lincoln Ditch Road to create an additional holding line to protect private structures and land should the fire move further to the east and south.

Given the success of firefighter efforts to secure the fire perimeter and favorable changes in the weather, operations on the fire will remain similar over the next coming days. Updates for the Black Mountain Fire will be provided every other day unless changes in fire activity or fire operations are significant. ‘Incident Information’ will be updated daily on Inciweb. The fire information phone line and email remain staffed.

Weather 

The fire area received measurable precipitation yesterday, about ¼ of an inch over a 6 hour time span. Today, mostly cloudy with a small chance for showers early morning, with a chance for a storm in the afternoon. Cooler temperatures are expected Wednesday and Thursday along with mostly north, northeast winds.

Evacuations and Closures

Evacuations: Per the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office, an Evacuation Warning remains in effect. The following area is open to RESIDENTS ONLY: North of Lone Point Dr and Tamarack. North of North Lincoln Gulch/Morris Dr. North of the intersection of Beaver Creek Rd and Stonewall Creek and all feeder roads north of that intersection.

Closures:The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest issued a road, trail, and area closure order. The closure order and map is posted on Inciweb, Black Mountain Fire.

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