Update 10:30 a.m. Tuesday
Fire officials revised the size of the East Side Fire on Tuesday morning, reducing the previously estimated size of 3,000 acres to 1,500 acres.
According to a Custer Gallatin National Forrest social media post, evacuation orders issued Monday remain in place on Tuesday as fire crews continue to work in the area.
The post states that 185 homes are under those evacuation orders. Highway 212 remains closed at the Beartooth Ranger Station.
"On the night of Monday, April 20th, firefighters performed some strategic burn operations - backburns - to remove fuel between firelines and the fire itself," the post states. "This allows fire managers to control how the fire moves through this area and thus improve their ability to hold these fire lines. Firefighters have also set up sprinkler systems around structures and removed trees and brush to improve the defensible space around these values at risk."
Fire crews were expected to continue working on Tuesday on structure protection in the main canyon, below Mt. Maruice south of Red Lodge, and in Howell Gulch.
"The goal for today is to halt northward progression of the fire and reinforce firelines on the north side to prepare for strong winds later in the day," the post states.
There are 100 personnel, 2 fixed wings, and 4 helicopters deployed to fight the fire. The cause remains under investigation.
_______________________________________________________________________
First Report
RED LODGE - The East Side Fire south of Red Lodge was estimated at 3,000 acres as evacuations remained in place Tuesday morning.
Highway 212 remains closed as fire crews continue to work on the blaze that sparked early Monday afternoon and quickly consumed the forest on the east side of the highway, according to the latest update from the Custer Gallatin National Forest.
Fire efforts on Monday included 100 personnel, 1 Air Attack, 1 airtanker, 2 type 1 helicopters, 2 type 2 helicopters, according to fire officials.
No structures were lost to the flames and no injuries have been reported.
Evacuations were in place for residents on the east side of Highway 212 from mile marker 65 at Howell Gulch Road to mile marker 59 at Lake Fork Road.
Evacuation warnings were also issued for some residents in the area. Refer to carbonalert.org for additional information regarding evacuation information.
"This is a rapidly moving fire," fire officials said on social media. "Firefighters are working on structure protection in the main canyon, below Mt. Maruice south of Red Lodge, and in Howell Gulch. Fire is moving in a northern direction at a rapid pace."
RELATED COVERAGE
'Pretty terrifying': Concerns grow in Red Lodge as East Side fire spreads
Highway 212 shutdown near Red Lodge due to wildfire; evacuations continue
