McDermott (MTBDF)

Wildfire Status:

The McDermott Fire, currently active in the Upper Willow Creek area, has burned approximately 427 acres since its inception on August 26, 2024. This wildfire is located 17 miles northwest of Philipsburg, Montana, in an inaccessible region characterized by a high concentration of standing dead trees, known as "snags." The presence of these snags poses a significant challenge to firefighter safety and complicates responses to potential medical emergencies. Fire managers are working closely with local officials and cooperating agencies to assess critical values at risk, particularly those located three miles east of the fire.

As of the latest reports, there are 37 personnel actively involved in managing the fire. Crews are currently focused on monitoring the situation and establishing indirect fuel breaks to help control potential fire spread. Fortunately, due to recent precipitation and cloud cover, significant fire activity or growth is not expected in the immediate future. However, smoke may still be visible as the dead and down trees continue to smolder, which is anticipated to persist for several weeks.

Weather conditions are expected to remain favorable for firefighting efforts, with mild temperatures and humidity levels staying above 30 percent. Breezy conditions with gusts up to 20 mph from the southwest are forecasted for the coming days, but these are not anticipated to exacerbate the fire's activity. In addition to firefighting efforts, the area is under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, allowing campfires only in designated sites and imposing limitations on smoking and the use of certain devices to mitigate fire risks. All trails in the vicinity have been opened, though specific motorized vehicle restrictions apply to the Black Pine System starting September 1 each year.

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Fire Growth History: