Crews are in the early phases of fighting a 174-acre wildfire in the Big Belt Mountains southeast of Helena.
The Deep Creek Fire off Highway 12 between Townsend and White Sulphur Springs is 0% contained, according to U.S. Forest Service spokesperson Ashley Snellman.
She says 35 firefighters and multiple helicopters are on the blaze, which started Sunday in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest amid unseasonably warm temperatures in the ‘90s.
“The weather’s definitely hot and dry and windy. But crews are just continuing to keep working and building fire line along the flank,” Snellman says.
Snellman says the fire is threatening several cabins and primary homes around the steep and heavily timbered Deep Creek Canyon, but not close enough to order evacuations.
She says more crews, aircraft and a bulldozer are on the way.
Law enforcement have limited nearby stretches of Highway 12 to one lane, though residents are advised to stay out of the area if possible.
The fire’s cause is under investigation.
Kevin Trevellyan is Yellowstone Public Radio's Report for America statehouse reporter.
