Big Sky Times

Driven by dry conditions and high winds, the River Road East Fire in Montana has grown to 16,772 acres since August 18, prompting a FEMA grant and mobilizing over 582 personnel to respond.

"As firefighters respond to protect lives and property, I ask Montanans to continue to heed officials' instruction and follow all necessary precautions," Governor Greg Gianforte said.

The River Road East Fire, driven by dry conditions and high winds, has grown to over 16,772 acres since it started on August 18, 2023. It is currently 2% contained, according to the latest reports.

On August 21, Governor Gianforte announced that the State of Montana secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from FEMA, aimed at assisting with costs associated with fighting the fire burning near Paradise in Sanders County. The grant covers 75 percent of the state's eligible firefighting costs, including materials, supplies, mobilization and demobilization, equipment use, and field camp expenses. Additionally, each FMAG generates over $900,000 in federal mitigation funding.

The fire has mobilized a significant response, with 582 personnel, 12 crews, 39 engines, and six helicopters actively combating the blaze. Tree-felling crews and heavy equipment are being utilized to clear hazardous burned trees and debris from River Road East, especially after two days of rainfall weakened roots and loosened rocks, causing debris to block the roadway.

Firefighters are collaborating with local residents to construct fire control lines to contain the fire's spread. Additional helicopters have been deployed to assist ground crews, delivering water to hot areas, limiting fire growth, and reducing flame lengths.

Although intermittent rainfall has allowed firefighting resources to gain additional containment, the weather is expected to promptly return to normal August conditions, with humidity in the 20% range. This could pose further challenges in controlling the fire.

Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay vigilant and adhere to all official instructions and precautions to ensure their safety. The situation continues to be monitored closely by local and state officials, as well as federal agencies providing support.

The cause of the River Road East Fire remains unknown.