BOZEMAN-Active evening thunderstorms from Thursday, August 9 ignited at least one wildland fire on the Gallatin National Forest. The Bridger Fire is located at Bridger Bowl Ski Resort about 300 yards from the top of the Bridger lift, just below Bridger Ridge. Bridger Bowl Ski Resort is located about 20 miles north of Bozeman, Montana along Montana Highway 86.
The 10 firefighters on scene are working to suppress this one to two acre fire. The fire is burning in subalpine fir on steep and rugged slopes. Strong and erratic winds are hampering firefighting efforts at this time by limiting the ability to utilize aircraft.
The Forest received numerous smoke reports last night following the thunderstorm activity. Crews continue looking for these potential new starts but have found nothing additional yet. A detection over-flight of the Forest will happen this afternoon looking for additional starts.
The Gallatin National Forest remains in Stage I Fire Restrictions with the exception of the Absaroka-Beartooth and Lee Metcalf Wilderness Areas. Fire conditions are still very high as the hot, dry and windy weather conditions persist.
Please contact your local Ranger District Office prior to heading out to enjoy your public lands to make sure you are aware of any additional restrictions that might be in place. Additional specific information can be found by visiting firerestrictions.us, fs.usda.gov/gallatin, www.fs.usda.gov/custer or by calling your local ranger district office.
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