Harris Mountain Fire 7.27.21 Update

Lots of smoke in the immediate area. Lots of smoke throughout Montana. We have not had cancellations due to smoke in the air. Anglers fishing without problems. If you have concerns about your upcoming trip to Montana specifically to the Craig area of the Missouri River please call us at 406-235-3447 and speak with Julie or Sara. Press 1 for reservation, Julie or Sara, on the phone when prompted.

This fire is near Pelican Point and Sheep Creek. Look at h map and you can see that it is a few miles from the river. The helicopters are dipping buckets below the Hardy Rapids Hi-Way bridge. Give firefighters lots of room.

Fire activity picked up in the afternoon as the fire moved predominately to the east towards Castle Rock. Multiple air tankers dropped loads of retardant on the northeastern edge of the fire until windy conditions caused the efforts to become ineffective. Firefighters and heavy equipment worked to construct fireline where feasible while others continued to provide point source protection near structures.

While most of the crews will come off the fire soon, some Type 4 and Type 6 engines along with members of a hot shot crew will provide extended coverage late into the evening and early morning hours. An infrared flight scheduled for this evening or early morning and updated acreage will be provided in the morning update.

Incident Overview

The Harris Mountain Fire started on July 23rd approximately 10 miles southeast of Cascade. The lightning caused fire grew quickly, burning over 3,000 acres within the first burn period. Northern Rockies Team 7, a Type II Incident Management Team, assumed command of the fire from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) at 6:00 AM on July 26th.

The fire is located in difficult and rugged terrain with fuels and topography driving fire activity. Location, along with limited resources creates challenges for immediate suppression. Multiple crews, engines, dozers, water tenders and air resources are assigned to the fire and providing point protection near structures.

The Cascade County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders and notices for homes near Adel Road and Sheep Creek Road. Residents are asked to avoid the area as much as possible to allow fire response efforts to travel unheeded into the area.

Incident Information