Minimal growth, increased containment on Horse Gulch Fire (July 18, 2024 Update) [Video]

HELENA — The Horse Gulch Fire saw minimal growth in the past 24 hours as crews continued to maintain and increase containment lines.

The human-caused fire has burned 14,250 acres since it was first reported on July 9. As of Thursday morning, fire officials reported 32% containment, an increase from 23% reported Wednesday morning.

“The primary concern continues to be islands of unburned fuel within the perimeter, which could produce embers capable of sparking spot fires outside established containment lines,” wrote fire officials in a press release.

Officials also reported an increase in fire activity in the southwest portion of the fire with a flare-up occurring. Overnight crews continued to patrol and secure lines with the focus on mopping up residual heat to hold the fire within the perimeter.

Interior burning fuel pockets remain a significant concern Thursday due to the potential for embers to ignite spot fire outside the …