Horse Gulch Fire (MTHLF)

First Reported: 2024-07-10 14:19:59 UTC on July 10, 2024
Inciweb page: MTHLF Horse Gulch Fire
Size: 15167 Acres
Type: Wildfire
Status: Field Active
Percent Contained: 100%
Horse Gulch Fire (2024-07-10)
15,167 acre wildfire (100% contained)
Helena Valley Southeast, Montana, United States
Nearby Fires:
Marsh Creek (2024-08-28)
151 acre wildfire (0% contained)
Lincoln, Montana, United States
Sheep Creek (2024-09-26)
755 acre wildfire
Boulder, Montana, United States
Ratio Mountain (2024-08-23)
2,466 acre wildfire
Whitehall, Montana, United States
Nevada Lake Fire (2024-10-15)
190 acre wildfire (95% contained)
Lincoln, Montana, United States
Black Mountain (2024-07-30)
182 acre wildfire (100% contained)
Lincoln, Montana, United States

Wildfire Status:

The Horse Gulch Fire, first reported on July 9, 2024, is currently active approximately 5 miles south of York and 2 miles north of Canyon Ferry, Montana. The fire has demonstrated rapid growth over the past few days, particularly on July 10 and 11, fueled by dense timber and heavy dead and down materials. As of now, the containment efforts are ongoing, and fire behavior remains very active.

In response to the fire, the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have implemented significant closures in the surrounding area. Effective July 27, 2024, various roads and trails within the fire perimeter have been closed to protect public safety. This includes numerous Forest Service System trails, with specific districts affected including Townsend and Helena. The area closure encompasses all National Forest System lands within the fire's perimeter, affecting multiple sections of land.

Weather conditions in the region may impact firefighting efforts, although specific details on current weather patterns have not been provided. Fire agencies are focusing on establishing a secure perimeter to prevent further spread and ensure the safety of both personnel and the public. With the fire's human-caused origin, authorities are likely prioritizing both suppression and investigation efforts to mitigate future risks.

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

Containment History:

Date Percent Contained
2024-07-15 0% contained
2024-07-16 10% contained
2024-07-17 23% contained
2024-07-18 32% contained
2024-07-19 40% contained
2024-07-20 52% contained
2024-07-21 80% contained
2024-07-26 95% contained
2024-11-01 100% contained

Fire Growth History:

Date Fire Size (Acres) Fire Size (Square Miles) Fire Size (Square Kilometers)
2024-07-15 12797 acres 20.0 sq mi 51.2 sq km
2024-07-16 13299 acres 20.8 sq mi 53.2 sq km
2024-07-18 14250 acres 22.3 sq mi 57.0 sq km
2024-07-19 14935 acres 23.3 sq mi 59.7 sq km
2024-07-20 15033 acres 23.5 sq mi 60.1 sq km
2024-11-01 15167 acres 23.7 sq mi 60.7 sq km