Horse Gulch Fire Now Nearly 11,000 Acres

The Horse Gulch Fire continues to expand rapidly, as firefighters try to protect property and homes near Canyon Ferry Reservoir. As of this (Friday) morning, the fire was estimated at over 10,849 acres.

Fire commanders say the fire spread mainly to the north and east yesterday afternoon and evening. Crews responded to active fire in several locations and were able to hold the fire line from Jimtown Road east out to Little Hellgate Gulch, north of Canyon Ferry. The fire moved to the east and into an old fire scar area which slowed its movement. Fire activity increased on the northwest side of the fire due to the alignment of wind and terrain, prompting the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office to order more evacuations from York north to Vigilante Campground.

The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office issued evacuations for the following areas:

• Canyon Ferry Road - from Jimtown Road to the Broadwater County line;
• All roads north and south of Canyon Ferry Road between Jimtown Road to Broadwater County line;
• Cave Gulch to Magpie Gulch north of Canyon Ferry Road;
• Jimtown Road to York and York Road north to Vigilante Campground.

Note: Canyon Ferry Rd is closed at Canyon Ferry Village to the Broadwater County line.

Firefighting efforts today will continue to focus on strengthening and reinforcing the fire lines to limit fire spread to the south and west with a focus on keeping the fire from moving onto private lands. Firefighters, heavy equipment operators, and multiple types of aircraft will work to secure and strengthen previously constructed fire line. On the west side of the fire crews will continue to work on fire line construction where safe to do so working north from Jimtown Road.

The fire, which began on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, was human-caused, and is under investigation.