Wildfire in Southern Lewis and Clark, Montana

The Moors Mountain Fire, first reported on July 16th at approximately 3:45 PM near the Moors Mountains in Gates of the Mountain Wilderness, was a 98 acre wildfire caused by lightning. On July 24th, crews achieved 100% containment. More than 80 personnel worked out of spike camps in the Gates of the Mountain Wilderness, for multiple operational periods, and were supported by helicopter operations to supply the camps and to provide fire suppression. Crews utilized handlines which were tied into natural features, such as rock formations, to minimize the impact on the wilderness area.

Hot afternoon temperatures and yet another round of afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms were expected over Southwest and portions of Central Montana. Max temperature was 94 at 2:44 PM, with RH at 23% as of 2:00 PM, and wind gusts just above 20 mph. Lightning activity, in union with the aforementioned variables, and heavy timber fuels in the Moors Mountain led to a wildfire.