A wildfire burning in central Montana has grown to approximately 700 acres as firefighters continue working to slow its spread near Showdown Mountain Ski Area. The Ant Park Fire is located about seven miles southeast of the ski area and roughly 15 miles northeast of White Sulphur Springs within the Helena Lewis and Clark National Forest.
The fire started on July 31st and remains at zero percent containment. Officials say the cause is still under investigation. The incident is currently being managed by Northern Rockies Team 8 under Incident Commander Nathan Stephens. Firefighters are responding with heavy equipment, hand crews, helicopters, and engine resources as they work to strengthen containment lines and improve access around the fire.
Fire Activity Remains Moderate
According to the latest update from the Helena Lewis and Clark National Forest, weather conditions helped limit fire behavior on Sunday. Higher humidity and lighter winds kept overall fire activity lower than expected.
The wildfire continues burning through subalpine fir on the northwest side of the incident, where firefighters are also dealing with spot fires that have ignited ahead of the main fire. Aerial resources are assisting ground crews in suppressing those new starts.
On the western edge of the fire, officials said the footprint from the 2003 Ant Park Fire is helping slow the current fire’s spread. Crews are reinforcing existing control lines and removing ladder fuels to reduce the chance of embers igniting new fires beyond containment efforts.
Crews Focus On Containment Efforts
Firefighters are continuing work to improve access to the eastern side of the incident while hotshot crews construct indirect fireline along the northern and northwestern perimeter. Heavy equipment is also building new fireline on the southern portion of the fire to strengthen previously established fuel breaks.
Officials have requested infrared mapping flights to provide a more accurate picture of the fire’s current perimeter. Crews are also preparing an emergency medical helicopter landing area on the south side of the incident to support firefighter safety if needed.
Road Closures Remain In Effect
Forest officials continue to urge the public to respect all road closures surrounding the Ant Park Fire. Multiple forest roads remain closed to allow firefighters and emergency vehicles to operate safely while reducing risks to visitors.
The closures include portions of Forest Roads 6464, 837, 487, and Forest Road 47 at the Jamison Trail near the national forest boundary.
With the fire still uncontained and suppression efforts ongoing, officials are asking visitors to avoid the area and stay informed as conditions can change quickly. The fire remains one of the more closely watched incidents in Montana as crews work to limit its growth near the popular Showdown Mountain Ski Area.