Fire crews continue to make progress on several wildfires burning in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, though some areas are still seeing active fire behavior.
Cutaway Fire
Located about eight miles southwest of Georgetown Lake, the Cutaway Fire remains estimated at 33 acres. Light rain in the past 24 hours had little effect on hot spots within the fire footprint, and smoke was more visible Wednesday as cloud cover lifted.
Four hand crews are building indirect firelines that will tie into the East Fork Reservoir drainage on one side and County Road 5006 (George Lake Road) on the other. Two engine modules are reducing fuels along access roads and the East Fork drainage to slow any potential eastward spread.
Officials ask the public to avoid the reservoir and trailhead areas to give firefighters and aircraft room to operate safely.
Cloudrest Fire
This fire, burning 15 miles northwest of Virginia City, saw minimal activity after recent precipitation, with no smoke visible Wednesday. However, heavy fuels and stump holes are expected to smolder until fully consumed. Two skidgens are working on fuel mitigation in the Noble Fork drainage.
The fire is now 3,148 acres and 54% contained. Managers expect to see a slight acreage increase once an infrared mapping flight is completed.
