Updated 5:30 p.m.
Robertson Draw/Crooked Creek Fires
Fire crews continue containment efforts on the Robertson Draw and Crooked Creek fires burning in the Custer Gallatin National Forest in south central Montana. The forest service is implementing fire restrictions across the forest starting at midnight.
The 5,400-acre Crooked Creek Fire east of Bridger in the Pryor Mountains is just over 25% contained, and fire crews continue to construct and reinforce fire lines. The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office continues its pre-evacuation warning for the 25 primary residences in the Sage Creek area.
Inciweb’s morning report says the 30,000-acre Robertson Draw Fire south of Red Lodge is more than half contained. While the acreage of the fire is holding steady, fire officials say smoke might be visible as interior pockets of the fire flare up.
The Northern Rockies Coordination Center estimates current firefighting costs at $5 million.
Deep Creek Fire
Firefighters are mopping up the last hot spots of the 4,600-acre Deep Creek Canyon Firesoutheast of Helena, which remains 95% contained.
The interagency team that’s been managing the fire for the last week will return control to local officials Thursday evening. Meanwhile, the number of personnel assigned to the blaze continues to dwindle.
Remaining crew members continue to remove hazard trees around power lines and Highway 12 to avoid potential infrastructure damage.
Vigilante Electricity Cooperative is finishing up work to restore power to the Grassy Mountain subdivision Thursday, according to General Manager Rollie Miller.
Smoke from smoldering stumps and logs may be visible within the fire’s perimeter for weeks.
Managers will no longer provide regular updates on the Deep Creek Canyon Fire unless there are significant flare-ups.
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