The following is a press release from Gallatin County:
Location: 20 miles northeast of Ennis, MT along the Madison River.
Current Size: Approximately 15,270 Containment: 57%
Resources Assigned: 4 20-person crews, 1 Type 1 Hotshot Crew, 2 Helicopters, 15 Engines, 4 Dozers, and 1 Water tender
Closures: Norris Road (MT Hwy 84) is currently open from Blacks Ford to Norris. Restrictions on Madison River Road are lifted and travel is allowed. Recreation facilities in the Bear Trap Canyon corridor along the Madison River remain closed. Firefighting resources are working hard to make the Madison River corridor safe for public use. Floaters and anglers are urged to make plans to use other areas through July 9. Access to the Madison River is closed on all BLM land within the Lower Madison River Special Recreation Management Area.
Current Status: Most of the activity was on the west side of the fire Thursday. Additional resources and lighter winds enabled firefighters and heavy equipment to build line and conduct burnout operations with support from helicopters. One lane traffic with pilot cars for a short stretch on Highway 84 is in effect until 9 p.m. Additional work was completed around the Cold Springs ranch buildings.
Planned Actions: On Friday, firefighters will strengthen completed line and continue building line where needed. Where line is secure, firefighters will continue to mop up, patrol and monitor. Some additional burnout may be needed in places.
Weather: A high pressure system will continue over the fire vicinity Friday with continued hot and dry conditions reaching between 84-89 degrees with low humidity. Expect southwest winds 5-10 mph, and a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Remarks: Northwestern Energy continues to repair and replace power poles damaged in the fire. 3 structures confirmed lost, evacuation warnings are in effect for Blacks Ford south to Norris, within Madison County. Gallatin County pre-evacuation notifications are in effect for Blacks Ford north into Gallatin County. No injuries reported.
Cooperating Agencies: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Dillon BLM, Madison County, local and rural volunteer fire departments, Gallatin County, MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks, MT DNRC.
