(Updated 12:50 p.m., 07/19/24)
A wildfire that was reported seven miles southeast of Ennis Thursday evening has been named the Shell Creek Fire as more resources are being employed to attack it.
According to an update Friday morning from the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest (BDNF), two additional helicopters were ordered and will be working out of the Big Sky Airport near Ennis.
BDNF says one helicopter will transport personnel and the other will be used for water bucket drops on the fire.
Firefighters are hiking in to gain access after being transported to the fire area, with an additional crew on standby ready to assist.
In another Friday update, BDNF announced its forest lands are now under extreme fire danger conditions. Under these conditions, fires of all types start quickly and burn intensely, and all fires are potentially serious.
BDNF asks the public to be mindful of these conditions and avoid outdoor activities that could potentially spark the next wildfire.
No further details about the Shell Creek Fire, including information about its size or containment, were released. We will keep you updated as we learn more.
(first report)
The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest (BDNF) is reporting a new fire start seven miles southeast of Ennis on Thursday evening, July 18, 2024.
BDNF said on social media firefighters are responding to the wildfire, located in the Shell Creek drainage and directly due east of the Big Sky Airport outside of Ennis.
One helicopter and one firefighting engine are responding, according to BDNF.
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BDNF said resources will estimate acreage and assess the situation on the ground, and more information will be released as available.
We'll keep you updated as we get more details.
