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
Ratio Mountain (2024-08-23)
1,966 acre wildfire
Whitehall, Montana, United States
Black Mountain (2024-07-30)
182 acre wildfire (100% contained)
Lincoln, Montana, United States

Wildfire Status:

The Horse Gulch Fire, located about 5 miles south of York and 2 miles north of Canyon Ferry, was first reported on the afternoon of July 9, 2024. Since then, the fire has exhibited rapid growth, particularly on July 10 and 11, fueled by dense timber and heavy dead materials in the area, resulting in very active fire behavior. As of the latest updates, the fire has burned through 100% of its perimeter, prompting a significant response from fire agencies.

In response to the fire, the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest has implemented extensive road and area closures to ensure public safety. These closures encompass various National Forest System lands, roads, and trails approximately 17 miles northeast of Helena, MT. Specific trails and roads, such as those in the Townsend and Helena Ranger Districts, have been closed to the public, alongside several recreation sites like the Bar Gulch Cabin and the Never Sweat trailhead. However, the Bureau of Land Management has rescinded all previously established closures related to the fire.

Current weather conditions are significant to the response efforts, as active fire behavior is often driven by factors such as wind speed and humidity levels. Fire agencies are continuing to monitor these conditions closely while working to contain the fire and prevent further spread. The area remains under heightened surveillance as recovery and safety measures are put into place amid ongoing fire 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
2024-09-20 100% 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
2024-09-20 15167 acres 23.7 sq mi 60.7 sq km