Big Sky Fire Department and partnering agencies issue quick response
By Mira BrodyEBS STAFF
BIG SKY – The South Fork Loop Fire, which started on June 17, is fully contained following a quick response by the Big Sky Fire Department and partnering agencies, including the Yellowstone Club Fire Department, the U.S. Forest Service and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.
“We had an awesome response from the valley and Yellowstone Club [fire departments], and were highly effective at putting it out,” said Seth Barker, deputy fire chief with BSFD.
The South Fork Loop Fire was first reported on Thursday at 4:04 p.m. When BSFD arrived on scene, a single tree was ablaze near the South Fork Loop trailhead and the department immediately requested mutual aid but canceled soon after when they were able to gain initial fire control. However, crews quickly realized that there was risk of spot fires from embers and continued mutual aid resources to assist.
The fire was fully contained by 6 p.m. BSFD transferred command to U.S. Forest Service crews who remained on site to monitor potential hot spots as of Thursday evening. No evacuations were issued, but parts of Aspen Leaf Drive and Grey Drake Road were closed during the incident. The fire remained under an acre and the cause is still under investigation.
According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 46 percent of the contiguous U.S. is under drought conditions and Montana is expected to see above-average wildfire conditions this summer. BSFD urges the community to be diligent, as trees are currently at August moisture levels.
“We have to be diligent to minimize unnecessary ignitions this year because this is just a sneak peak into how volatile of a fire season this could be for us,” BSFD stated in a June 18 press release.
There are currently three active fires in Montana; the Deep Creek Canyon Fire near Townsend, the Robertson Draw Fire in Red Lodge and the Crooked Creek Fire in the Pryor Mountains.
“Be super careful out there,” advised Barker. “We’re in a very dangerous season.”
Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
registration process now.
Children
born on or after September 11, 2019:4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Join Big Sky OUT at the Len Hill Park Community Ice Rink for a free and inclusive ice skating event for all levels. Everyone is welcome, especially allies! There will be
Event Details
Join Big Sky OUT at the Len Hill Park Community Ice Rink for a free and inclusive ice skating event for all levels. Everyone is welcome, especially allies! There will be hot cocoa donated by the Hungry Moose and pizza donated by Blue Moon Bakery. Ice skate rentals are available at East Slope Outdoors until 8pm.