Huge Montana Fires Bringing Smoke To Wyoming

6 different fires located 4-30 miles south of Rosebud, Montana are burning an estimated 131,234 acres Containment: 0%

Six fires are currently burning south of Rosebud, MT with the Chalky Fire S/SW of Colstrip burning actively to the east at approximately 60,000 acres. The Sand Creek Fire was also burning actively during the night and is located east of the Rosebud Creek Road and Diamond X Ranch. The Juniper and Sweeny Fires are located approximately four miles south of I-94 and the Beaver and Big John Fires are located further south of the Sweeney Fire. Approximately 30 homes remain threatened in the Prairie Rose subdivision. The Wild Horse subdivision, approximately 30 miles south of Rosebud, also remains threatened at this time.

Firefighters plan to take advantage of the reduced temperatures. Precipitation was intermittent across the fire vicinity. Air resources are available if weather allows them to fly.

Beaver (1,435 acres) – 100 percent contained; mop up operations today.

Juniper (5,110 acres) – Fully lined; hold “slop over” from Thursday and start mop up operations.

Sweeney (9,016 acres) – Continue to construct direct and indirect line and burn out where necessary.

Sand Creek (14,668 acres) – Provide point protection for threatened structures; continue to construct direct and indirect line, with burn out operations where necessary

Big John (1,005 acres) – Assess needs and construct line as resources become available

Chalky (100,000+ acres) – Further recon of fire and current situation; start construction of line as possible; provide point protection of structures as necessary

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for much of Montana until 8 p.m., with a good chance of more showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds. It should be partly sunny this afternoon with warmer temperatures. Winds in the morning will be out of the North at 10-20 miles per hour, shifting out of the northwest in the afternoon.