DNRC: Hilger Valley Fire Now 300 Acres and Counting

Hilger Valley Fire

Department of Natural Resources and Conservation officials say they're throwing everything the have at the day-old Hilger Valley Fire. The fire was first reported Monday afternoon (June 9th) about 20 miles north of Helena, and east of I-15. 110 firefighters, including hand crews and smokejumpers, along with engines, bulldozers, air tankers, and helicopters are all being used to aggressively attack the fire, which has grown to 300 acres as of 8:30pm this evening. Aircraft are scooping water from nearby Holter Lake to drop on the perimeter of the fire as ground crews dig firelines.

Additional resources have been ordered and will arrive tomorrow to support suppression operations. The public is advised not to stop along I-15 or park near the Gates of the Mountains Marina, as this interferes with firefighting efforts. Avoid the area if possible, and do not fly drones.

The cause of the fire has not been determined.

Banana Lake Fire

Over the past weekend, the Banana Lake Fire, north of Plains, was declared 100% contained at 833 acres. It was first reported on Saturday afternoon, May 31st, and at last report, the cause was still under investigation.