Hilger Valley Fire 2025

The Hilger Valley Fire was first discovered by local and DNRC engines on Monday, June 9 at 2:10 p.m. 20 miles north of Helena, MT near Gates of the Mountains on Interstate 15. 

The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain in timber and grass.

Firefighters will continue mop-up operations, working up to two chains, or 132 feet, into the fire perimeter to locate and extinguish remaining heat. Using a gridding and cold-trailing technique, firefighters carefully scan the ground for burned areas and feel for any lingering heat by hand. Where heat is detected, firefighters dig to bare soil with hand tools and mix with water until cold to the touch. Fire resources supply water to ground crews, utilizing hoses lay, a skidgen, and helicopters to support mop-up efforts. 

Current resources on scene include: 4 hand crews, 1 helicopter; 11 engines; 1 dozer; 2 tenders; 1 skidgen.