Single Publication

Location: 13 miles west of Grant, MT      Start Date: August 23, 2024

Cause: Undetermined                       Size: 3415 acres             Containment: 40%

CURRENT STATUS + PLANNED ACTIONS:

Yesterday, crews continued containment efforts by securing all portions of the fire, but most work focused on the north and northwest side where heat is still left over and burning in a mixture of both standing and dead timber. Helicopters assisted crews by dropping water onto a small section of downed logs that flared up mid-day. After the initial flame front has passed, firefighters will locate areas of residual heat close to control lines and extinguish them by mixing water and dirt into the heat and by cutting up burning pieces of wood into smaller pieces so that they burn themselves out quicker. These actions are collectively referred to as “mop-up”. A few crews were assigned with carefully combing through the “green” or the unburned portions to locate spot fires outside of control lines. 

Today, mop-up efforts will be continued. Crews will carefully evaluate tactics and prepare for the expected cold front passage described below. 

Small amount of smoke from the fire can be expected as things continue to smolder in the fire area.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Yesterday the fire area experienced light winds and cooler temperatures with a high in the 70’s. Fire behavior was minimal to moderate with an increase in activity concentrated in the northwest corner during the hottest part of the day.

A cold front will pass over the area today bringing lower relative humidities in the high teens to 20’s and an increase of winds out of the west with gusts up to 25-35 mph. Cooler temperatures are expected after the passage of the cold front. 

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES

All evacuation orders have been lifted. The public has been asked to remain clear of the area to avoid impeding firefighting activity.