Friday evening, the Boulder Complex fires remained at 12,604 acres and 95 percent contained. The Cave Gulch Fire north of Canyon Ferry Reservoir remained at 29,272 acres and 95 percent contained. The Bucksnort Fire was declared controlled July 30 after burning 14,672 acres. One lighting strike that accompanied Friday s winds did start a new fire near Jefferson City but the fire was held to less than an acre and quickly contained. It sounds as if all the fires will get another chance today.
Strong winds continue to be predicted and firefighters are gearing up for a long weekend.
Helena is prioritized eighth in the list of areas of concern. The Missoula area is at the top of the list because of fires burning near Drummond, Dixon and Grant Creek. The Hamilton area is ranked second for the fires in the Bitterroot. Because communities in the Helena area have been identified as being potentially at risk, a task force will be stationed at Fort Harrison through the weekend to offer additional protection to any nearby community that needs it, Teegarden said. That task force is made up of a Type III commander, a commander trainee, a strike team of engines, one Type I hand crew and two strike teams of medium dozers.