Feels “a bit like June;” record-warm weather increases regional fire risk
EBS STAFF
The Gallatin Gateway Fire Department responded to a wildfire March 17 near Axtell and Cottontail roads. The blaze was fueled by erratic winds and burned an estimated 1,200 acres before it was successfully contained later Tuesday evening, according to Gallatin County Emergency Management.
At the height of the response, 41 fire personnel and 20 apparatus were deployed, with support from multiple neighboring agencies, including Bozeman, Central Valley, Hyalite, Bridger Canyon, Three Forks, Manhattan and Amsterdam fire departments. Crews remained on scene Wednesday morning to monitor for flare-ups and spot fires, stated an update on the Gallatin Gateway Fire Department’s Facebook page.
On the evening of March 18, an additional fire was spotted on 14200 block of Cottonwood Canyon south of Bozeman. By 5 p.m., firefighters had it controlled and had begun mop up operations. In response to warm, dry weather and windy conditions, Gallatin Gateway fire has postponed open burn until further notice.
Fire crews are also working to contain the Panama Fire, located outside of Cardwell, east of Bozeman. The fire grew to 1,100 acres as of the morning of March 19, according to an update from the area’s volunteer fire department’s Facebook page, and mutual aid was provided by Willow Creek, Whitehall, Three Forks and Gallatin Gateway fire departments, as well as the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, and the U.S. Forest Service.
“Temperatures in the low 70s, winds and low humidity made this event feel a bit like June,” stated the update.
