New Update to Montana’s First Wildfire of 2025 Season

BUTTE, MT - The Jericho Mountain Fire, burning just five miles south of MacDonald Pass in Powell County, is rapidly becoming one to watch for Montanans as summer fire season begins to ramp up.

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Discovered around 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 15, the wildfire had already grown to 30 acres by that afternoon.

By 4:15 p.m. Monday, it had ballooned to 102 acres—and it's burning in one of the most difficult types of terrain Montana has to offer: steep, remote, and full of heavy dead and downed fuels.

Where It's Burning

The fire is located within the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, specifically in the Boulder Mountains, south of U.S. Highway 12.

Officials have advised the public to avoid the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail between MacDonald Pass and Luttrell due to ongoing firefighting operations.

Fire Behavior & Challenges

Crews say the blaze is burning aggressively in dense, hazardous fuels—mainly dead and downed timber from previous seasons.

The terrain is both rugged and remote, making it difficult to fight and risky for emergency personnel.

Containment remains low, and officials have acknowledged that the probability of full containment is low in the short term due to the conditions.

Medical emergencies would be hard to respond to in the current terrain, and the fire's unpredictable movement adds another layer of difficulty.

What’s Being Done

Fire management is currently focused on the northeast flank, especially near private residences.

Aviation resources are in full use, including retardant drops and aerial surveillance. A Type 3 Incident Management Team—which handles more complex, multi-day incidents—has been brought in to coordinate response efforts.

A closure order for the Helena Ranger District, south of Highway 12, is expected to go into effect soon to support the fire fight and ensure public safety.

Who’s Involved

The initial attack included help from:

• U.S. Forest Service

• Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

• Baxendale Volunteer Fire Department

• Elliston Volunteer Fire Department

Additional equipment and personnel are being called in.

Weather Outlook

While winds are calm for now, hot and dry weather is forecast throughout the week, raising concerns that the fire could grow significantly if conditions shift.

Officials also mentioned recent lightning strikes in the area, which could spark additional fires.

How Bad Could It Get?

Although it's just over 100 acres now, the combination of:

• flammable fuels

• difficult access

• limited containment success

• upcoming weather conditions

…means this fire could easily double or triple in size in the coming days without significant rainfall or a drop in temperature.

If it pushes north or east, it may threaten residential areas near Rimini or potentially push closer to travel corridors like U.S. Highway 12—though no evacuations have been ordered yet.

What Montanans Should Do

• Avoid the Continental Divide Trail south of MacDonald Pass.

• Heed any closure orders that may be issued for nearby National Forest land.

• Stay up to date with fire reports through local and federal channels.

• Be fire-wise in all activities—campfires, chainsaws, and sparks can all pose risks in dry areas.

Montanans are no strangers to wildfire season, but the Jericho Mountain Fire is a reminder of how quickly conditions can turn. If you're traveling near Helena, recreating in National Forests, or living in the area—keep your eyes on this one.