Montana Wildfires See Progress Amidst Tragic Loss, Bivens Creek Fire Reaches 76% Containment

VIRGINIA CITY, MONTANA – Firefighting crews in Montana, including those from Bridger Aerospace, have achieved significant progress in containing the Bivens Creek and Cloudrest Fires, though efforts continue following the tragic death of a firefighter. The Bivens Creek Fire, which has burned 2,126 acres, is now 76% contained, while the Cloudrest Fire, at 3,135 acres, has reached 20% containment.

The positive strides were acknowledged by Eyal Yakoby, who stated in a recent tweet, > "Thank you to the brave crews in Montana. Bridger Aerospace scoopers and firefighters have made major progress on the Bivens Creek & Cloudrest Fires. Heroes at work." This highlights the crucial role of aerial support and ground crews in battling the blazes.

The Bivens Creek Fire, ignited by lightning on August 13, has been a focal point of operations. Tragically, on August 24, contract firefighter Ruben Gonzales Romero of Keizer, Oregon, died from a cardiac emergency while actively engaged in suppression efforts on the Bivens Creek Fire. Romero was a veteran wildland firefighter with over 20 years of experience, serving as a sawyer with TJ Contracting LLC.

The Cloudrest Fire, also lightning-caused, began on August 14 and is burning approximately 15 miles northwest of Virginia City, similar to the Bivens Creek incident. Both fires are burning in thick subalpine fir timber with a high concentration of dead and downed fuels, posing significant challenges to containment. Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 6 is overseeing the combined efforts, with hundreds of personnel assigned to the complex.

Containment lines have been established around the entire perimeter of the Bivens Creek Fire, with crews actively mopping up hotspots and reinforcing lines. For the Cloudrest Fire, efforts are focused on constructing firelines and removing hazard trees. Evacuation warnings have been issued for residents in areas such as Wisconsin Creek, Mill Creek, and Indian Creek, underscoring the ongoing threat to communities. Area closures on Forest Service lands remain in effect to ensure public and firefighter safety.