The Windy Rock Fire, burning 15 miles northeast of Drummond, has grown to 5,508 acres and remains 14% contained. The lightning-caused fire started on August 14 and is being managed by the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team. Nearly 850 personnel are assigned to the incident.
Evacuations: The Powell County Sheriffโs Office announced Monday that all areas west of Cottonwood Creek, Dry Cottonwood Creek, and Kelley Creek are no longer under an evacuation warning. However, an evacuation order remains in place for residents east of those drainages.
Fire Activity: Firefighters are using a combination of direct and indirect suppression tactics across the fire. Crews on the southern and southeastern edges are mopping up and securing lines, while indirect lines are being constructed on the north side where steep terrain and heavy dead timber make direct firefighting unsafe. On the west-central flank, firefighters are conducting hand ignitions to reduce unburned fuel, and additional line construction is underway along Fourth of July Ridge. Crews also strengthened containment lines along the northwest side near the OS/Garnet Mountain Property Association reforestation area. Overnight, firefighters patrolled for spot fires and continued mop-up operations to secure existing fire lines.
