Meridian (MTBDF)

Wildfire Status:

The Meridian Fire, which ignited on October 8th, is currently active and has spread over an area of approximately 3,900 acres, located about 10 miles southwest of Lyons Bridge on HWY 287 in the Meridian Creek Drainage. Fire managers from the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest have prioritized protecting critical structures within a half-mile radius of the fire. The incident is being overseen by Incident Commander Jim King and involves a total personnel count of 74.

As of October 17, the fire has benefitted from recent weather conditions, receiving rain and a small amount of snow, which have helped to prevent further growth. Firefighters have focused efforts on securing the eastern flank of the fire, particularly along FS 1209 and near Cliff and Wade Lakes. Evacuation orders previously issued by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office have been lifted, and barriers to the fire area have been removed. However, officials caution that the fire is not extinguished, and smoldering and creeping behavior is expected to continue, with visible smoke and small flames until a complete snow cover is established.

Looking ahead, a winter storm warning is currently in effect, predicting significant snowfall of 6-14 inches above 7,000 feet, including the fire area. Overnight temperatures are expected to drop into the mid-20s, with daytime highs only reaching the mid-30s. Fire management plans will be adjusted based on the amount of snow received, with operations shifting accordingly to ensure the safety of crews and the effective management of resources.

Visit Inciweb Incident Page for more information. Information on this page is provided for informational purposes only.

Fire Growth History: