(HELENA) Fire crews are responding to two wildfires in the Clancy area.
According to Crystal Beckman with the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, the Kelly Gulch Fire is burning west of I-15 near Clancy.
When it was first reported Tuesday afternoon, it was around two acres.
There are two helicopters and several engines fighting the fire. A very large air tanker, or VLAT, has also been ordered.
The fire is burning in heavy fuels, and there is potential for structures to be threatened, according to Beckman.
Crews are also checking on the Amazon Fire burning near Microwave Ridge in the same area.
OTHER FIRE UPDATES:
There is a road block at the York Bar, due to the Devil’s Tower Fire. No one is being let in. They are hitting the fire with air resources.
Lewis & Clark County Sheriff-Coroner Leo Dutton tells MTN News they are evacuating people in the Beaver Creek area near Nelson because of new fire activity Tuesday afternoon. According to Dutton, it was at the request of York Volunteer Fire Department Chief John Naylor. The Sheriff will be going to people’s homes. He said it will impact around 15 residences.
(1st Report, 4;12 p.m.) According to Kathy Bushnell, Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest spokesperson, four fires have been sparked after thunderstorms moved through the area on Tuesday.
The fires were caused by lightning in the Helena area.
The fires are:
- Owl Gulch Fire, near York: Reported at two acres; firefighters and an engine are on scene. There is “moderate” fire activity.
- Devil’s Tower Fire, near Owl Gulch, reported at five acres with “active” fire activity. There are two tankers being utilized to slow the spread of fire.
- Two fires in the Clancy area, firefighters are responding. There is no word yet on the size.
We will update you as more information becomes available.
On Tuesday morning, the Lewis & Clark County Commission officially declared an emergency in response to the North Hills Fire. It has now burned more than 4,600 acres north of Helena. According to Inciweb, more than 350 firefighters and support personnel have been assigned to the fire. Click here for more information.
