Single Publication

Banana Lake Fire
June 6, 2024

Start Date & Location: May 31, 2024    4 miles north of Plains, MT
Cause: Unknown, under investigation       Size: 833 acres                Containment: 40%
Personnel: 235       Engines: 14       Helicopters: 1     Dozers: 1     Skidgeons: 5

CURRENT STATUS AND PLANNED ACTIONS
Firefighters are actively holding and reinforcing containment lines, working to eliminate any remaining heat within two chains (132 feet) of the fire’s edge. Although fire activity remains minimal, crews continue focusing on securing the perimeter and minimizing the potential for flare-ups as temperatures rise and humidity decreases. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are assisting by identifying heat sources not visible from the ground, allowing firefighters to detect and address hidden hot spots more efficiently and safely.

Yesterday, firefighters detected a heat source in a dry lakebed in the southwest area the fire, near Banana Lake. The heat is deep-seated, with no open flame present. Soft, sandy ground in the area makes access difficult. Crews dug into the area but were unable to locate the exact source. Water was applied, and suppression efforts will continue today to cool the area.

Mop-up operations are ongoing around structures on the northwest flank. Firefighters are using hand tools and water to cool and extinguish hot spots in these high-priority areas. Mop-up is a critical phase of fire suppression, ensuring residual heat is fully extinguished and cannot reignite under changing weather conditions.

An initial attack group remains positioned to respond quickly to any new fire starts near the incident.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Fire activity remains minimal, with mostly creeping and smoldering observed across the area.

Expect mostly cloudy skies over the fire area today, with slightly warmer temperatures ranging from 74 to 79 degrees. Relative humidity will drop to between 20 and 25 percent, and southwest winds will bring afternoon gusts up to 20 mph. The warming and drying trend is expected to continue through Saturday, with wind gusts increasing to around 25 mph in the afternoon.

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES
There are no evacuations or closures for the Banana Lake Fire at this time, but drivers on Highway 28 should expect reduced speed limits and use extra caution. Stay clear of the fire area and do not fly drones.