UPDATE: 2:30 p.m. - June 17, 2021
The Deep Creek Canyon Fire is now being reported at an estimated 4,600 acres, having doubled in size since Tuesday morning.
The current estimated cost of the fire is at $1 million as of Thursday afternoon.
At least one structure, a home, has been lost so far.
There a 94 personnel working the fire, including six engines, a dozer, two water scoopers and four helicopters.
(first report: 11:18 a.m. - June 17, 2021)
The Deep Creek Canyon Fire grew from around 2,000 acres on Tuesday to 3,668 acres on Wednesday.
The fire is currently burning north and south of US Highway 12.
The Grassy Mountain evacuation order remains in place.
- RELATED: White Sulphur Springs provides support for people affected by Deep Creek Fire
- RELATED: Helena grocery stores collecting donations for Deep Creek Fire firefighters
US Highway 12 has been reopened to traffic, but people should expect significant delays and slow traffic while crews work in the area.
Drivers are strongly encouraged to take an alternate route when possible.
Mike Goicoechea’s Type 1 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team assumed command of the Deep Creek Canyon Fire at 6 a.m. on Thursday.
A type 1 incident management team is deployed when the fire is of national significance and requires a large number of local, regional, state, national, and federal resources over multiple operational periods.
The team is expecting active fire activity in the coming days.
Crews on Thursday will improve an anchor point and continue with line construction and securing the edge working toward containment.
