This story is excerpted from the MT Lowdown, a weekly newsletter digest containing original reporting and analysis published every Friday
Despite dry conditions across the state this week, the Grouse and Miller Peak fires remain the only two Montana fires of more than 800 acres that continue to grow. With smaller fires continuing to crop up around Montana, a hot and wet forecast offers both relief and risks for responders.
The Grouse Fire was reported on Thursday, July 25, and grew to cover 800 acres across Beaverhead County. As of Friday, the fire is manned by 225 firefighters.
“That number I do expect to increase,” Public Information Officer Michelle Peterson said, highlighting the arrival of several engines, helicopters and Hotshot crews on Thursday afternoon. She said crews consider about 50 structures at risk from the fire.
Meanwhile, the Miller Peak Fire burns seven miles southeast of Missoula. The nearly three-week-old fire has racked up a price tag of $15 million, according to InciWeb.
Several smaller fires are also burning in southeast Montana, including the 757-acre Nelson Draw Fire near Birney. Additionally, the Garvin Basin fire was reported on Thursday in the southwestern corner of the Crow Reservation. According to InciWeb, despite its growth to over 400 acres in a single day, responders expect the fire to be completely contained by Aug. 5.
The weekend forecast includes incoming moisture alongside fire risks, including lightning strikes and high temperatures.
“All of western Montana and areas along the [continental] divide are going to be seeing the threat of dry thunderstorms that potentially could start a few new fires,” said Alex Lukinbeal, a National Weather Service meteorologist stationed in Missoula. And though there are no major air quality concerns, Lukinbeal warned of high temperatures statewide.
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