Wildfire Reported Near Basin Creek Reservoir South of Butte

Firefighters from the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest responded late yesterday afternoon to a reported wildfire in the Basin Creek Reservoir area, approximately 11 miles south of Butte and about one mile southeast of the Basin Creek Picnic Area.

The fire was initially estimated at one acre but has since grown to approximately three acres. Crews reported the blaze burning actively in heavy slash and creeping toward nearby timbered areas. No snow is present at the site.

Firefighters worked until 7:00 p.m. constructing saw line along the southern edge and portions of the northern perimeter of the fire. These containment lines were then used as buffers to conduct small-scale tactical firing operations, helping remove available fuels from the active fire edge and slow its progression.

Although the fire is located within the Basin Creek Watershed Project area, the Forest Service confirmed that no slash piles had been burned in the immediate vicinity prior to the incident.

An investigation into the cause of the fire will be conducted by Forest Service Law Enforcement.

Additional firefighters are scheduled to join the effort today as crews continue working toward full extinguishment.