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McElwain Fire
Unit Information
Incident Contacts
- Kristin MortensonEmail:Kristin.Mortenson@mt.govPhone:406-381-7451
McElwain Fire Update 08-30-2024
McElwain Fire
Publication Type: Announcement - 08/30/2024 - 10:00
Location: 10 miles west of Helmville, Montana
Start Date: 8/23/2024
Cause: Lightning
Size: 116 acres
Containment: 25%
CURRENT STATUS
The McElwain Fire, located 10 miles west of Helmville in Powell County, is burning in grass and timber on private and Bureau of Land Management land under Montana DNRC wildland fire protection. The fire was mapped via an infrared flight overnight and has been downsized to 116 acres. The flight also identified hot spots close to the line that firefighters will focus on today as they continue to secure all control line 100-150 feet deep. The fire is 25% contained.
The fire is comprised of two adjacent fires, a north fire, and a south fire. Fire behavior includes creeping and smoldering with isolated torching. Resources are being downsized to match the current fire demands and now include four engines, one eight-person hand crew (Module), one water tender, and two skidgines. A Type 2 DNRC helicopter is available for support if needed. With the downsizing of resources and reduced complexity, the fire will transition to a Type 4 incident this evening.
Future fire updates will be provided only on Inciweb unless conditions warrant otherwise.
WEATHER & FIRE BEHAVIOR
Hot and dry weather will occur through Labor Day weekend, with light variable winds. Above normal temperatures and minimum relative humidities in the teens and lower 20s are predicted through the weekend, heightening the concern for increased fire behavior. The next chance for precipitation will be late Monday and Tuesday.
EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES
The Powell County Sheriff’s Office has lifted all evacuation warnings in the area. Please visit the Powell County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for specific information and updates. The public is asked to use caution if travel is necessary in the area due to increased firefighting traffic.
Powell County is currently in Stage 1 fire restrictions, which does limit campfires. Residents and visitors are asked to be extra careful when outdoors to limit human caused sparks. We cannot control the lightning, but we can prevent unintended human caused wildfires. Visit www.MTFireInfo.org for specific fire restriction information and fire prevention tips.