Moose Fire Reaches 5,892 Acres With No Containment
Forecasts of warmer, drier weather with evening thunderstorms raise the risk that smoldering fuels will flare up, threatening nearby structures.
Overview
- The fire, updated Tuesday, Aug. 18, has burned 5,892 acres and remains 0% contained, according to the Western Montana All‑Hazards Type 3 Incident Management Team.
- Crews numbered 157 on Aug. 18 and are using handlines, dozer and constructed lines, hose lays, pumps, chainsaws and an excavator to cool hot spots and strengthen the perimeter.
- A RED evacuation order for Frog Pond Basin remains in effect and the Beaverhead‑Deerlodge National Forest has closed multiple roads and trails near Kaiser Lake, Frog Pond, Ross Fork and the South Fork of Rock Creek.
- Recent wetting storms have reduced visible fire behavior but incident updates warn that persistent smoldering inside the perimeter can reignite as fuels dry and that lightning from afternoon storms could start new fires.
- Officials are prioritizing structure protection in Frog Pond Basin and Ross Fork, tracking air quality, and keeping resources staged to respond quickly if forecast warmer, drier weather increases fire activity.