Ratio Mountain (MTBDF)

First Reported: 2024-08-23 14:53:57 UTC on August 23, 2024
Inciweb page: MTBDF Ratio Mountain
Size: 1966 Acres
Type: Wildfire
Status: Field Active
Percent Contained: Unknown
Ratio Mountain (2024-08-23)
1,966 acre wildfire
Whitehall, Montana, United States
Nearby Fires:
Long Tom Fire (2024-09-09)
57 acre wildfire (50% contained)
Butte-Silver Bow (Balance), Montana, United States
Pedro Mine (2024-09-07)
152 acre wildfire
Virginia City, Montana, United States
Horse Gulch Fire (2024-07-10)
15,167 acre wildfire (100% contained)
Helena Valley Southeast, Montana, United States
Grouse (2024-07-28)
6,009 acre wildfire (50% contained)
Butte-Silver Bow (Balance), Montana, United States
Marsh Creek (2024-08-28)
151 acre wildfire (0% contained)
Lincoln, Montana, United States

Wildfire Status:

The Ratio Mountain Fire, currently active in Montana, has grown to approximately 1,966 acres since it ignited on August 18, 2024, likely due to lightning strikes. As of the latest report, firefighting efforts have achieved 85% completion of operational objectives aimed at managing the fire's spread and protecting critical values at risk. Fire crews have successfully implemented firing operations along the eastern flank, which constitutes about 60% of the fire perimeter. The southern flank, accounting for 10% of the perimeter, has seen the completion of structure protection measures, with 100% of prep work finalized and 20% of the strategic guidance to manage fire around structures accomplished.

Firefighters are currently focusing on holding and securing the east flank and other constructed firelines while continuing to monitor areas near the St. Anthony mine site. The western and northwestern sections of the fire remain challenging due to rugged terrain and limited access, posing risks for emergency response. These areas, which make up about 30% of the perimeter, are being closely monitored for any changes, particularly as weather conditions may impact fire behavior.

The forecast indicates potential isolated torching and backing, with the fire likely to continue moving uphill and northwest. If winds shift, there could be a risk of short crown runs on the northwest flank. Overall, fire managers are coordinating closely with local officials and inter-agency representatives to prioritize safety and effective response strategies, ensuring that the fire does not advance toward critical values at risk. The area surrounding the fire has been designated for closure to protect public safety, and all firefighting operations are being conducted with the utmost attention to safety protocols given the presence of standing dead trees, or "snags," in the area.

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Fire Growth History:

Date Fire Size (Acres) Fire Size (Square Miles) Fire Size (Square Kilometers)
2024-08-23 42 acres 0.1 sq mi 0.2 sq km
2024-08-25 587 acres 0.9 sq mi 2.3 sq km
2024-08-29 451 acres 0.7 sq mi 1.8 sq km
2024-08-30 452 acres 0.7 sq mi 1.8 sq km
2024-08-31 1030 acres 1.6 sq mi 4.1 sq km
2024-09-02 1058 acres 1.7 sq mi 4.2 sq km
2024-09-04 1158 acres 1.8 sq mi 4.6 sq km
2024-09-11 1226 acres 1.9 sq mi 4.9 sq km
2024-09-17 1966 acres 3.1 sq mi 7.9 sq km