UPDATE — 10:24 AM Aug 29. The Windy Rock Fire is now at 3, 986 acres and 0% containment, according to The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).
Heavy rain allowed crews to make progress on the direct fire lines, with 734 personnel assigned. Cool, wet conditions are expected to shift to warmer, drier weather over the holiday weekend, likely increasing fire activity and smoke.
The Powell County Sheriff’s Office has downgraded the Evacuation Order to an Evacuation Warning for residents west of Cottonwood Creek, Dry Cottonwood Creek, and Kelley Creek. Areas east remain under evacuation.
BLM land closures and a flight restriction over the fire remain in effect.
Updates: https://www.facebook.com/powellcountysheriff
UPDATE — 10:39PM Aug 27. The Windy Rock Fire is at 3,631 acres and remains 0% contained. Northwest Team 2, which is managing the incident, reported 542 personnel are assigned to the fire.
Crews continue to reinforce control lines and protect structures, particularly near the OS/Garnet Mountain Property Association and Cow Camp. Spot fires and active burning north of Sandstone Road were addressed Tuesday, and work continued to connect firelines on the north and east sides. Dozer operations advanced along key roads, and hose lays were installed around the south and western flanks.
Critical fire weather is expected Wednesday, with forecasters warning of strong winds, low humidity, and the risk of dry thunderstorms — conditions that could accelerate fire growth. Additional resources are being staged to improve access routes, strengthen structure defense, and be ready to engage when safe. Aircraft will continue to support ground crews in hard-to-reach areas.
A community meeting is set for 5PM today at the Helmville Community Center on Highway 271 to provide residents with firsthand updates.
The Powell County Sheriff’s Office issued an evacuation order for residents in the OS/Garnet Mountain Property Association area south of Helmville. A Bureau of Land Management (BLM) closure remains in effect for lands within the fire zone.
A temporary flight restriction remains in place over the wildfire. Officials reminded the public that unauthorized drones ground aerial firefighting operations and pose safety risks.
UPDATE — 12:56PM Aug 26. A community meeting is being held at the Helmville Community Center located on Highway 271, tomorrow at 5PM to provide firsthand updates.
The Windy Rock Fire has burned 3,631 acres and is 0% contained, advised by the Northwest Team 2 Complex Incident Management Team.
Firefighters made progress on lines and protecting structures as helicopters supported efforts near Gallagher Canyon; crews reinforced lines to the north and west.
Warm, dry weather conditions today with southeasterly winds up to 23 mph could raise activity; a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place and evacuations in the OS/Garnet Mountain Property Association (Reforestation Area) south of Helmville continue, along with a BLM closure.
More evacuation information can be found on the sheriff's Facebook page.
The Windy Rock Fire northeast of Drummond has burned 3,426 acres and remains 0% contained as of Monday, according to fire officials.
The lightning-caused fire, which started Aug. 14, is being managed by Northwest Team 2 Complex Incident Management after transitioning from the DNRC County Assist Team early Monday. The fire has 519 personnel assigned, with public and firefighter safety the top priority.
Crews are reinforcing control lines with heavy equipment, dozer work, and shaded fuel breaks, while also building direct handlines along the northern edge and protecting structures near the OS/Garnet Mountain Property Association area and Cow Camp. Very Large Air Tankers and Type 1 helicopters are dropping retardant to slow the spread toward private property.
Warmer, drier weather with northeast winds gusting up to 25 mph is expected to contribute to active fire behavior overnight. Officials are monitoring Wednesday as a “watch-out day” due to abnormal weather patterns, with wet thunderstorms possible later in the week.
The Powell County Sheriff’s Office has issued an evacuation order for residents in the OS/Garnet Mountain Property Association south of Helmville. BLM-managed lands in the fire area remain closed. Residents can call 406-846-2711 for evacuation updates or visit InciWeb for closure maps.
For more information, email 2025.windyrock@firenet.gov or call the public information line at 406-468-1906.
