(UPDATE, 6:43 p.m.) The fire has now grown to more than 300 acres, and there is no containment.
Resources fighting the fire now include: three Type 2 Helicopters; a hand crew; a module; three large air tankers; one very large air tanker; multiple engines.
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We are not aware of any reports that the fire is directly threatening any homes or structures.
(UPDATE, 5:25 p.m.) The Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation (DNRC) and local government firefighters, along with two Type 2 helicopters, are responding to the Hilger Valley Fire.
It is located about 20 miles north of Helena, east of Interstate 15.
As of 3:30 p.m., the fire has burned an estimated at 20 acres.
Additional resources are enroute or being ordered at this time.
We will update you as we get more information.
(1st REPORT 4:02 p.m.) A wildland fire has erupted near the Gates Of The Mountains exit off of Interstate 15 north of Helena.
Lewis & Clark County/City of Helena 911 Center says that firefighting resources are currently at the scene.
The 911 Center asks that if you’re traveling in this area, please use caution as numerous apparatus and personnel are in the area.
At this point, we are not aware of any reports that the fire is directly threatening any homes or structures.
There is no word yet on the suspected cause of the fire.
We will update you as we get more information.
