This new fire was reported on Saturday, July 16th, 2022 and has been named the Moors Mountain Fire.

This 150 acre wildfire is currently burning near Moors Mountain in Gates of the Mountains Wilderness area, northeast of Helena. On Sunday, July 17th, the smoke column was visible from Helena and White Sulphur Springs.

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According to the official Incident Overview, updated around 2pm on Sunday, July 17th, 2022:

  • Incident Type: Wildfire
  • Cause of fire: Lightning
  • Location of fire:  Moors Mountain
  • Exact coordinates of wildfire: 46.887 latitude, -111.733 longitude
  • CURRENT SIZE OF FIRE: 150 Acres
  • Fuels Involved: heavy timber

"On the day the fire broke out smokejumpers responded assisted by aerial support. A long term strategy is being developed to direct suppression on east and north flanks closest to private property."

The US Forest Service has specific instructions for the public as of Sunday, July 17th: "Please avoid Refrigerator Canyon Trail in Gates of the Mountains Wilderness - closure order forthcoming. Fire traffic will be concentrated on Beaver Creek Road east of Nelson so please avoid this area if possible."

The weather forecast for the area is calling for warm temperatures and very gusty winds through at least Monday afternoon, which does not bode well for a newly-ignited wildfire with heavy timber fuel.

To keep up to date on this and other wildfires in Montana (and nationwide), you can check the National Interagency Fire Center wildfire map. There, you'll get the most up-to-date information on current wildfires, along with any pictures if available.

We will continue to monitor this wildfire and update with new information as it becomes available.

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