HELENA — The Horse Gulch Fire near Canyon Ferry has now burned more than 10,800 acres as of Friday morning. The area burned is roughly equal to the size of Helena in city limits.
According to fire officials, a combination of direct and indirect strategies are being implemented in response to the Horse Gulch Fire to keep the fire north of Canyon Ferry and east of JimTown Road in order to minimize fire impacts to private structures and land. More than 200 fire personnel are assigned to the fire at this time.
A Fire Weather Watch is in effect beginning Saturday afternoon through Saturday evening for low humidity and gusty winds forecasted over the fire area.
Evacuations
Lewis & Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton said on Thursday that fire crews evacuated residences in York, north up to Nelson and east to Vigilante Campground.
The area from Cave Gulch to Magpie Gulch on the north and south sides of Canyon Ferry Road remains evacuated.
Riverside Campground has also been closed and there is a pending order to close the forest in the area of the fire.
Canyon Ferry Road is closed between Canyon Ferry Village and the Broadwater County line to the east.
Sheriff Dutton will consult with state and local agencies to determine when it is safe to lift the evacuation order.
He explained that people will need to show ID if they want to go back to their home and get items — if conditions are safe you may be allowed to go for one hour and then must leave.
Residents will need to communicate with the command post at Canyon Ferry if they want to know about their evacuated residence.
Fire History
The fire was reported at about 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9, and is centered about five miles south of York, and two miles north of Canyon Ferry.
York and Tri Lake and all resources at Helena Ranger District responded first. More than 40 people and a helicopter responded initially. Due to the dryness, they weren't able to contain the fire on Tuesday, and the Helena Ranger District called upon the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation (DNRC) for assistance.
Resources currently assigned to the fire include more than 150 personnel; five hot shot crews on scene, one more en route; two Type A crews; two dozers, 10 engines ordered.
Sheriff Dutton noted that Helena Ranger District resources are "thin, they are coming from a long distance and this fire is outpacing what we can do and what we have."
He noted that there have been no power outages reported and that no homes or structures have been destroyed.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but is reported to be "human-caused." Sheriff Dutton said that they have suspects, and are continuing to investigate.
Pilot Dies
One person fighting the fire died when a single-engine air tanker (SEAT) crashed into Hauser Lake.
The plane was contracted to the U.S. Forest Service and was scooping water to assist with firefighting efforts.
The pilot has been identified as 45-year-old Juliana Turchetti. Click here to read more.
Shelter
The American Red Cross has opened an evacuation center at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church (3580 North Benton Street) in Helena for people impacted by the fire.
The facility will provide cots, water, snacks, and updated information; pets are welcome. All Red Cross services are free. Evacuees who need assistance can call 406-215-1514 to get help.
Donations to support the Red Cross shelter operations can be made here.
