Two new human-caused starts bring the Rocky Mountain Front back into Stage 1 fire restrictions

AUGUSTA, Mont. October 17, 2021 - Following two new human-caused fire starts, the Rocky Mountain Ranger District, and the entirety of the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Lincoln Ranger District, have returned to Stage 1 fire restrictions as of 12:01 a.m. on October 17.

"Our district is working to contain the Crown Mountain Fire and yesterday, we received reports of two new human-caused starts, putting us at 6 human-caused starts on the district in the last month," said Rocky Mountain District Ranger Mike Munoz. "It is disappointing to have to return to Stage 1 fire restrictions in October, and this is not something we take lightly."

Both of these new fires are located southwest of Augusta on the Rocky Mountain Front. The Elk Creek Fire, initially sized up at 1 acre around 11:20 a.m. on Saturday, October 16, is located within the Sawmill drainage near the forest boundary. A Type 1 helicopter, a Type 3 helicopter and a hotshot crew with assistance from the Augusta Volunteer Fire Department helped contain it at 1.5 acres by lining it with water hose lay. A few hours later at 2:38 p.m., the Falls Creek Fire was called in and is located in the West Fork Falls Creek just south of the Dearborn corridor. Air attack sized the fire up at 10 acres and as of the evening of October 16 a Type 1 helicopter, a Type 3 helicopter, 2 large airtankers and a hotshot crew were working to contain it. The fire is estimated to be approximately 4 miles from structures.

A red flag warning will be in effect this afternoon. Please be mindful of dry conditions and activities that carry fire risk. Please also be aware of increased fire traffic Dearborn corridor and avoid the area, if possible.

Visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/hlcnf/alerts-notices for the latest information on closures and alerts on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Visit: http://www.mtfireinfo.org for the latest info on active fire restrictions.