Wildfire Starts South Of Lincoln

[UPDATE: 7/16 1:45 pm]

The Montana DNR informed us that the Dalton Fire near Lincoln was spread to just 44 acres and already had a 75 percent containment.

"The fire did not grow during the night and showed favorable behavior - the change in acreage is due to new GIS measurement of the fire's perimeter." said the release.

[ORIGINAL STORY 7/16 9:20 am]

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation sent out a press release informing the public of a wildfire that started near Lincoln this week.

"On July 15 at 3PM, a Montana DNRC engine responded to a fire 1.5 miles southwest of Lincoln in the Sauerkraut drainage. As of 10PM on July 15, the fire was at 10 acres with a retardant line in place," stated the DNRC press release.

Fortunately, at this time, structures are not in the line of fire, "but an evacuation warning is in place for residents on Dalton Mountain Road." The release goes on to say "that due to the possibility of rapidly changing conditions, an evacuation order may be issued with no prior notice or warning. Home and property owners in the surrounding area should remain vigilant and prepared."

Dalton Mountain Road near Lincoln
Credit: Google Maps

There hasn't been a cause identified.

Authorities have requested the public to avoid the area as much as possible.

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Statewide fire numbers

As of July 15, there were 62 active fires with over 56 thousand acres burned this year. The Deadman fire is the largest active wildfire with over 15 thousand acres burned in southeast Montana near the Wyoming border. The Horse Gulch fire stands at just under 13 thousand acres burnt.

Up-to-date fire numbers can be found at Montana Fire Info