(Red Lodge) – Fire season has started in Montana with the Eastside Fire approximately seven miles south of Red Lodge on Highway 212. The Fire is currently 1204 acres and is 0% contained. There are 135 Firefighters and six helicopters battling the blaze. 185 homes are under mandatory evacuation orders.
The United States Forest Service says overnight activity was minor with some creeping in the understory and internal pockets of heat continuing to burn. On Wednesday, smokejumpers hiked in to assess and contain hot spots on the face of Mt. Maurice. Crews will
continue to focus on the fireline and structures on the north end of the fire in Howell Gulch and by the Yellowstone Bighorn Research Association. Crews will also address small, isolated areas of burning timber inside drainage’s and near the 400 Ranch.
