The Rattlesnake Fire north/northwest of Helena has burned approximately 900 acres.
The lightning-sparked fire broke out on Thursday on the 888 Ranch, about five miles northwest of Canyon Creek.
There are 156 personnel assigned to the fire; as of Saturday morning, it is about 10% contained.
There are no evacuations or structures threatened at this time.
The Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation released the following information on Saturday morning:
Today’s Activities: Crews will work to build and improve firelines, burnout where needed and mop-up. There are no evacuations or structures threatened at this time.
Weather: Temperatures are expected to be cooler and relative humidity is expected to be higher with a chance of isolated thunderstorms. While winds are expected to be calmer on the valley floor, they may still be gusty and erratic along exposed
hillsides and if associated with the isolated thunderstorms. Even cooler temperatures and rain are predicted on Sunday.
Closures: Rattlesnake Gulch Road is closed. Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks has issued closures for the following areas: Canyon Creek Wildlife Management Area and the Sieben Block Management Area.
Overview: The expected fire growth that was anticipated yesterday did not occur. Fire behavior was moderated by the cloud cover despite the windy conditions. Fire crews worked hard Friday to reinforce existing fireline, mop-up where possible, and minimize fire spread in the areas with unburned fuel, fuel concentrations and indirect fireline.
The Department of Natural Resources & Conservation (DNRC) County Assist Team, Incident Commander David Hamilton, assumed command of fire Friday morning. The team is implementing a full suppression strategy to put the fire out as safely and quickly as possible.
Safety Message: Please use extra caution on Lincoln Road (Hwy 297) as fire traffic will be entering and exiting the area. It is important not to stop or block roadways.
