Railroad-Daly Fire (MTBRF)

Wildfire Status:

The Railroad-Daly Fire, which encompasses a total area of 7,819 acres, has been active since July 25, 2024, with a second fire, the Daly Fire, starting on August 18, 2024. Both fires are located southeast of Hamilton, Montana, near the confluence of Railroad Creek and Skalkaho Creek. The Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 5, under Incident Commander Joe Sampson, took command of the situation on September 9, 2024. Currently, the fires exhibit creeping and smoldering behavior, particularly in stump holes and large diameter fuels, with scattered heat detected on the west side of the Daly Fire. Fortunately, there is minimal threat to nearby values at risk.

Firefighting efforts are ongoing with a total of 26 personnel deployed to manage the situation. Significant area and road closures are in effect to ensure the safety of both the public and firefighting operations. Fire managers are collaborating with officials from the Bitterroot National Forest to evaluate potential adjustments to these closure boundaries. As part of their strategy, they are monitoring fire spread closely and implementing hazard mitigation measures along the Skalkaho Highway.

Weather conditions are currently favorable for firefighting efforts, with widespread rain expected to reduce fire activity significantly. High temperatures are anticipated to be in the mid-60s, accompanied by relative humidity levels around 75%. West winds are projected to be moderate, blowing at 10-15 mph. This moist weather should assist in containing the fires, though the situation remains dynamic, and crews will continue to focus on monitoring and controlling the fire's spread as they work toward operational objectives.

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