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, located approximately 5 miles south of York, Montana, and 2 miles north of Canyon Ferry, was first reported on the afternoon of July 9, 2024. The fire has rapidly expanded, particularly on July 10 and 11, due to active fire behavior fueled by dense timber and heavy dead and down materials. As of now, fire agencies have reported that the perimeter is completely mapped, with the fire exhibiting aggressive behavior in certain areas.

In response to the fire, significant closures have been implemented by the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, including restrictions on various roads and trails within the fire perimeter. Specific closures affect numerous Forest Service System trails and roads in the Townsend and Helena Ranger Districts. Access to recreational sites such as Bar Gulch Cabin and several trailheads are also restricted to ensure public safety. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has recently rescinded previous closures on its lands, allowing more access in those areas while still maintaining safety protocols.

Weather conditions in the region have played a critical role in fire behavior, with current forecasts suggesting varying winds and moisture levels that could influence both the fire's spread and firefighting efforts. Firefighting resources remain deployed to manage the situation, focusing on containment strategies while ensuring the safety of both personnel and nearby residents. The public is advised to stay updated on the status of closures and fire activity as conditions evolve.

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
2024-10-30 100% 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
2024-10-30 15167 acres 23.7 sq mi 60.7 sq km