VIDEOS/PHOTOS: The Montana DNRC provided a detailed update on the Hilger Valley Fire Tuesday afternoon. Updated mapping now estimates the acres burned at around 288 acres. The fire is believed to have been human-caused. One hundred and ten total personnel have been assigned to the fire, headed by the DNRC County Assist Team with Incident Commander Dave Hamilton. On Tuesday afternoon, fire resources included 10 engines, one module, four helicopters, three hand crews, two dozers, and two tenders.
The fire is being managed under full suppression strategy. Firefighters are building containment lines, which are being reinforced by the retardant line applied on Monday from air tankers. Helicopters are continuing to drop water along the edge to help with containment and cool hotspots. Fire officials report moderate fire behavior with creeping and isolated tree torching. Crews are concerned with the predicted hot weather and the chance for afternoon thunderstorms that could produce gusty winds.
