Wildfire in Montana, September 1 to 30, 2024

The Ratio Mountain Fire began on August 18 and was the result of a lightning strike 15 miles NW of Whitehall. The fire has grown to 2,466 acres and is fully contained as of writing this in mid-October 2024. Fuels noted were a large concentration of standing dead trees.

The Marsh Creek Fire was discovered August 27th 12 miles SE of Lincoln, and was a lightning start. As of September 17, the fire achieved 151 acres burned and was 100% contained. Fuels involved included dense timber, live and beetle killed trees, and dead and downed trees.

The Grouse Fire in the Pioneers (10 miles SW of Wise River) began July 25th, with cause being undetermined at the time of writing. As of mid October the fire is 6,228 acres and is for the most part contained, though residual heat is noted along the fire perimeter. Fuels involved include subalpine fir, heavy timber, and large amounts of dead and downed fuels.

The Pedro Mine fire was discovered September 4 in the southern portion of the Tobacco Root Mountains, 9 miles east of Sheridan and was a lightning start. The fire totaled 150 acres burned by the time operational objectives were declared 100% complete. Fuels involved included lots of standing dead trees (Snags). Hence, with firefighter safety in mind, critical values were protected while allowing the fire to diminish elsewhere in unfavorable terrain.