Skillet Fire Grows to 3,383 Acres as Containment Reaches Nearly 40%

Overview

• The lightning-caused Skillet Fire started in the Tally Ranger District west of Olney, Montana, and has burned roughly 3,383 acres while fire managers increased containment to about 39%.
• Incident teams are widening and securing control lines with heavy equipment, building hose lays and connecting hand lines to mechanical lines to isolate fingers of the fire.
• Crews have begun targeted mop-up and used aircraft and unmanned systems for hot-spot detection and water drops when weather allows, with UAS teams locating heat around the fire edge.
• Evacuation orders for Good Creek, Alder Creek, and Greg Creek were downgraded to warnings and forest closure orders remain in place with a security checkpoint limiting access to residents and owners.
• Forecast showers and thunderstorms bring higher humidity that can aid containment but also pose lightning and gusty-wind risks that may spur renewed activity or temporarily halt aviation and ground work.