EBS STAFF
The West Fork Fire, located in the south Madison Range near Beaver Creek, 23 miles northwest of West Yellowstone and roughly 20 miles south of Big Sky, is 83% contained at 963 acres in size as of Sept. 2. Initially discovered Aug. 19, the cause is still under investigation.
This week, the firefighting crew has made “steady progress” on containment, according to an update from the Custer Gallatin National Forest.. Aviation crews were able to retrieve equipment from the camp where the smokejumpers and the Prescott Interagency Hotshot Crew had been stationed, and an infrared flight on the northwest side of the fire revealed additional hotspots, which will be the crew’s priority area for this week. There are currently 125 personnel stationed on the fire.
No evacuations are in effect. Gallatin County Sheriff’s deputies are monitoring the situation and while the fire does not pose a threat to Big Sky, the Big Sky Fire Department is assisting with firefighting efforts as well as home assessment work with local property owners.
There are currently a number of road and trail closures in effect, and visitors and residents, as well as hunters as opening weekend approaches, are asked to keep their distance and allow crews to work.
