(UPDATE, 5:30 p.m., Sunday) Firefighters in Jefferson County said Sunday they don’t expect a wildfire burning south of Boulder to grow any further.
The Dawson Fire burned about 13 acres west of Montana Highway 69, and is 75 percent contained.
The Boulder-Bull Mountain Volunteer Fire Departments said on Facebook ground crews from their departments and the U.S. Forest Service will keep working the fire until dark. They’ll return Monday morning to see if the expected rain overnight puts the fire out completely.
Leaders are still asking the public to yield to firefighting traffic on Highway 69. They ask drivers not to stop on the highway or the shoulder, because it has been creating congestion in the area.
Earlier posts below:
(UPDATE, 9 p.m., Saturday) As of 8:45 p.m. Saturday, Boulder-Bull Mountain Volunteer Fire Departments reported a wildfire south of Boulder, called the Dawson Fire, was 13 acres and 75 percent contained.
Original post below:
(HELENA) Firefighters are battling a fire burning in the mountains south of Boulder.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office reported Saturday evening that the fire is burning west of Montana Highway 69, near the turnoff to Elkhorn. As of 6:30 p.m., leaders said the fire was about ten acres in size.
The sheriff’s office said any structures, homes or campgrounds in immediate danger are being “advised and addressed.”
The Boulder-Bull Mountain Volunteer Fire Departments are fighting the fire, along with air and ground resources sent by the Helena dispatch center. Authorities have closed White Bridge Lane between Highway 69 and Lower Valley Road, so helicopters can pick up water without interruption.
Leaders are also asking the public to stay out of the area – including Highway 69, Whitetail Road, Lower Valley Road, Elkhorn Road, Hot Springs Road and Hadley Park Road – so crews can work safely.
