Snow Slows East Side Fire Near Red Lodge as Containment Reaches 21%

Overview

• The latest incident update lists the East Side Fire at 1,241 acres and 21% containment south of Red Lodge along Highway 212.
• Several inches of fresh snow have muted fire behavior, so crews are focused on patrolling and watching for lingering heat until the ground dries.
• Staffing has been reduced to 93 personnel with two helicopters, and additional crews were released but can be recalled if needed.
• Evacuations are lifted and Highway 212 is open, while Forest Service lands around the burn remain closed and East Side Road and Howell Gulch Road allow local traffic only.
• Managers say many hot spots sit in steep, timbered, rocky terrain that is unsafe to reach until conditions improve, and the cause remains under investigation.