BOZEMAN — The Bridger Foothills Fire has burnt an estimated 80 acres as of Friday night and is zero percent contained.
The fire broke out Friday afternoon and is actively burning in timber northeast of Bozeman, approximately 2.5 miles up from the 'M' parking lot, near the Bridger Foothills Trail.
There are 100 total personnel assigned, including 2 large air tankers, 4 single-engine air tankers, 4 helicopters dropping water and providing structure protection, 2 hand crews starting handline, smokejumpers and engine crews.
According to an Inciweb update, more hand crews are expected Saturday morning, along with two dozers and an additional helicopter.
The update said "Structure protection is occurring on the eastern flank of the fire and will remain in place."
Aircraft are expected to begin work on the fire early in the morning, and road/trail closures will remain in place until further notice.
Road Closures:
Hwy 86/Bridger Canyon Road is closed from the intersection of Story Mill/Bridger Canyon Road to Kelly Canyon/Bridger Canyon Road. Local resident travel only permitted until further notice.
Trail Closures:
All trails from Middle Cottonwood up to Saddle Peak and tying in with Bridger Bowl's southern boundary and running south to the "M" parking lot are closed including trails:
Trail #586 (Middle Cottonwood), #513 (Bridger Ridge),
#534 (Bridger Foothills), #531, (Sypes Canyon),
#511 (M trails), #532 & #530 (Bridger Bowl up to Ridge),
#537 & #538 (Pine Creek - Bridger Bowl to South) are closed.
The Inciweb update stated that crews swept the fire area and trails to ensure all hikers and recreationists were safe.
The Gallatin County Sheriff's Office also confirmed Friday afternoon that all hikers in the southern Bridgers were accounted for.
The cause of the Bridger Foothills Fire is unknown at this time and under investigation.
