Firefighters are responding to two separate wildfires burning on the Custer Gallatin National Forest in south‑central Montana, one prompting evacuations near Red Lodge and another smoldering in remote terrain south of Big Timber.
The East Side Fire, (top photo, morning of April 21), burning along East Side Road south of Red Lodge on the Beartooth Ranger District, has grown to an estimated 1,600 acres since it was reported Monday, April 20. The cause remains under investigation, and containment is currently listed at zero percent. Approximately 100 personnel are assigned to the fire, supported by two fixed‑wing aircraft and four helicopters.
Fire activity has led to evacuation orders for about 185 homes, with additional areas placed under evacuation warnings. Homes south of Howell Gulch Road toward Lake Fork Road are under evacuation orders, while areas north of Howell Gulch Road are under warning status. Meeteetsee Trail Road south toward Howell Gulch Road is also in an evacuation warning area. Officials are urging the public to avoid the area to ensure the safety of residents and emergency crews.
Firefighters Prepare for Wind‑Driven Conditions
On Tuesday, crews continued focusing on structure protection in the main canyon south of Red Lodge, below Mount Maurice, and in Howell Gulch. Firefighters are installing sprinkler systems around homes, improving defensible space, and constructing fire lines along the north side of the fire to slow its progression.
Weather conditions are expected to challenge suppression efforts. Forecasts call for warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds with gusts reaching 40 to 50 miles per hour ahead of a cold front.
Davis Gulch Fire Burns in Remote Derby Burn Scar
Meanwhile, the Davis Gulch Fire is burning approximately 20 miles south of Big Timber on the Yellowstone Ranger District. The fire, discovered Sunday, April 19, is about 43 acres and is also uncontained.
The fire is located in the Derby Fire burn scar, with heavy dead and down fuels contributing to smoldering and pockets of open flame along the lower slopes. Only nine firefighters are currently assigned due to the fire’s remote location and limited access.
Fire managers expect increased smoke and activity during midday and evening hours, especially as winds strengthen with an approaching weather front. Gusty, erratic winds of 45 to 60 miles per hour are possible, though scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms may reduce activity once the front passes.
Safety Remains Top Priority
Officials stress that public and firefighter safety is the top priority for both incidents. Residents are urged to respect road closures and barricades and to monitor updated evacuation information at carbonalert.org. Air quality conditions are available through fire.airnow.gov.
Multiple agencies—including the U.S. Forest Service, Carbon County, and local fire departments—are working together under unified command.
