The Gravel Pit Fire is burning in heavy fuels on a mix of private and federal land located along Highway 2 near Houghton Creak and McGinnis Meadows Roads. The human-caused fire was discovered on Tuesday, August 1. Firefighters from Montana DNRC, USFS and Fisher River Valley Fire Rescue responded quickly after it was reported. Fire activity includes spotting, torching and active consumption of heavy fuels. 

The Gravel Pit Fire is a full suppression fire and firefighters are creating fuel breaks and containment lines and performing structure protection assessments and preparations. Air resources have been used as needed to slow fire spread and cool down areas of heat.

Evacuations: Pre-evacuation notices have been issued to those who live near the area by the Lincoln County Sheriff. Evacuation information can be viewed on the Sheriff’s Facebook page

For the safety of firefighters and first responders, avoid traveling through the incident area along Hwy 2 whenever possible. If you must travel, please exercise extreme caution and DO NOT STOP along Hwy 2! Due to fire activity and smoke across the roadway, visibility is impaired. There is an increase in traffic including emergency response vehicles and large equipment.

Timber (grass and understory), brush and short grass.

Moderate single tree torching, spotting and group torching.

48 hours: Thunderstorms expected to arrive Friday with the potential for gusty outflow winds and lightning.

12 hours: Fire activity expected to increase throughout the day as warm temps and low RH, along with northerly winds a concern. Single tree torching with spot fire development is likely.