Some Bridger Canyon fire evacuations lifted

BOZEMAN, Mont. (KIFI/KIDK)-UPDATE:  9-10 :  The entire Bridger Canyon Road will be opened Thursday for local residents only. 

Travel is discouraged between 7a.m. and 10 a.m. and again from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to keep the roads clear for fire crews.

Residents are asked to travel directly to their homes, since it is still an active fire zone, according to the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

Governor Steve Bullock and other state emergency managers visited the fire site Wednesday.  

The fire was mapped at 8,224 acres and is now 52% contained.  Crews were inserted by air yesterday and will work their way along the perimeter today.

UPDATE: 9-8 9:25 a.m.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is lifting the evacuation order for some residents evacuated by the Bridger Foothills fire.  They will be allowed to return home permanently unless otherwise notified.

Residents of the Kelly Canyon and Moffitt Gulch area may return, as the Kelly Canyon road closure moves from Interstate 90 to the intersection of Bridger Canyon Road.

The Jackson Creek Road closure has been moved from I-90 to the intersection of Jackson Creek Road and Laughing Horse Lane.  Residents between those two intersections may return home.

Bridger Canyon Road remains closed from Brass Lantern Court to Brackett Creek Road and that evacuation remains in force.

The “M” and all trailheads in the Bridgers also remain closed.

The fire itself is 7,138 acres and cooler, wetter weather limited fire spread and intensity.   Firefighters are waiting out the winds until it’s safe to deploy helicopters.

Evacuation orders continue as crews fight the Bridger Canyon fire northeast of Bozeman, Montana.

The fire started Friday afternoon about 2.5 miles up the Bridger Foothills Trail.  It has now reached 7,140 acres and burning in heavy timber.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is asking everyone to steer clear of the area.  Evacuation orders were issued for anyone in the Bridger Canyon Road, Jackson Creek, and Kelly Canyon areas.  

Residents in Moffitt Creek, Quinn Creek, O’Rea Creek, Willow Creek, Fleshman Creek, Stone Creek, Brackett Creek and Skunk Creek are under evacuation warning.   Those who have not been evacuated already are being urged to voluntarily leave the area until it is safe to return.

Bridger Canyon Road from Story Mill Road to Sedan remains closed to non-residents.   All forest roads are closed.

160 firefighters are working to assess structures and provide protection.  Direct handline is being built on the southwest edge of the fire.

A Type 1 Incident Management Team will be assuming command of the fire Monday. 

Firefighters hope predicted cooler temperatures and rain will give them a break before warmer temperatures return later this week.

If you are a Bridger Foothills fire resident, call the 211 Call Center for assistance.

The Bozeman community has launched a fundraising effort to rapidly mobilize financial resources for people, agencies, and families impacted by the Bridger Foothills Fire.

The Bridger Foothills Fire Relief Fund is a joint effort between the southwest Montana Community Organizations Active in Disaster, Greater Gallatin United Way, and One Valley Community Foundation to streamline financial support.  It will then direct it to people affected by the fire who need funding most.  Funding will also help agencies supporting the relief efforts.

To make a donation, text BRIDGERS to 91999 or give online through the Greater Gallatin United Way and One Valley Community Foundation.