Single Publication

Location: 8 miles east of Helmville, MT, 0.5 miles north of Nevada Lake

Start Date: 10/14/2024

Cause: Escaped Prescribed Burn   

Size: 208 acres

Containment: 30%

77 Total Personnel;          9 Engines;            2 Helicopters;     2 Hand Crews;   4 Heavy Equipment

CURRENT STATUS

The Nevada Lake Fire is 208 acres and located on the Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) Nevada Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and private land east of Helmville, Montana. The fire is the result of a FWP escaped prescribed burn ignited on Monday, October 14, north of Nevada Lake on the WMA. The DNRC is managing the wildfire response. 

Fire activity has been minimal, with the fire mostly creeping and smoldering. Firefighting resources are focused on “mop up” operations, extinguishing all heat and hot spots close to the line to better secure it. These operations are very methodical and include “cold trailing,” where firefighters carefully inspect the fire perimeter area and feel for heat with their hands. 

The fire is now 30% contained, with containment measuring how much of the fire perimeter has been surrounded by control line that managers are confident fire will not progress across. Containment will continue to increase steadily as reduced fire activity allows greater focus on systematically securing the control line.

With reduced fire activity and the shift in focus from suppression to mop up, the fire transitioned Friday evening to a less complex organizational structure with a Type 4 Incident Commander. This will be the final update on the fire unless conditions change. 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Warmer and drier conditions will return to the area through Sunday. Widespread rainfall is expected Monday through Wednesday.  Southwest winds will range from 5-15 mph through Monday.

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES

There are no evacuations or closures. The public is asked to avoid nonessential traffic in the area.