Wildfire — Northern Stillwater, Montana

2015-03-28 to 2015-03-30 · Northern Stillwater, Montana

Event narrative

The Pinecrest Wildfire, 4 miles northeast of Columbus, Montana burned 3000 acres. Two homes were lost and one firefighter was injured (minor). In addition, Interstate 90 between Park City, MT and Columbus MT (20 miles) was closed for several hours due to low visibilities due to smoke from the wildfire. However, before the interstate closed, a multi-vehicle accident occurred, resulting in 1 fatality and several other injuries.

Wider weather episode

A strong upper level disturbance and associated cold front moved rapidly across the Northern Rockies on Saturday March 28th. The system produced widespread severe wind, with peak wind gusts ranging from 60 to 70 mph, along with critical fire weather conditions. The severe winds hit at the prime time of the day when temperatures were at record levels and humidities were in the teens. As a result, several wildfires occurred during the afternoon and early evening. The event was preceded by a late winter and early spring of below normal precipitation and above normal temperatures which set up unseasonably dry and dead fuel conditions. The high winds resulted in numerous power outages along with minor home/roof and tree damage.

Two wildfires that resulted in the greatest impacts were located near Red Lodge Mountain, as well as the Pinecrest Subdivision located between Park City and Columbus, Montana. The Pinecrest Wildfire (near Park City, Montana) burned 3000 acres. Two homes were lost and one firefighter was injured (minor). In addition, Interstate 90 between Park City, MT and Columbus MT (20 miles) was closed for several hours due to low visibilities due to smoke. However, before the interstate closed, a multi-vehicle accident occurred, resulting in 1 fatality and several other injuries.

The Red Lodge Wildfire, which started shortly after 12 pm, charred about 600 acres and threatened homes near Red Lodge as skiers were escorted off the mountain. The fire started when high winds fanned a hot spot from a controlled burn in the Land Estates Subdivision from the previous Wednesday. Fire officials closed Ski Run Road while they battled the blaze, which jumped West Fork Road. No one was allowed to enter or leave Red Lodge Mountain. Around 3 pm, skiers in their vehicles were escorted off the mountain by Carbon County officials.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 566205. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.