Efforts Intensify to Control East Side Fire Near Red Lodge, Montana

Firefighters are intensifying their efforts to control the East Side Fire near Red Lodge, Montana, which has prompted evacuation orders for 185 homes. The fire, which began on April 20, has grown to about 1,500 acres. With around 100 personnel on the ground and additional resources arriving, crews are focused on protecting structures and reinforcing fire lines. Weather conditions are expected to challenge firefighting efforts, with high winds and warm temperatures. Officials emphasize the importance of public safety and urge residents to avoid the area.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 22, 2026, 00:58 IST

Firefighting Operations Underway

Firefighters are actively combating the East Side Fire, which is spreading northward near Red Lodge, Montana. Currently, evacuation orders are in effect for 185 homes as additional resources are deployed to the scene. The fire ignited on April 20 along East Side Road, situated east of Highway 212 within the Beartooth Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. It has expanded to approximately 1,500 acres, with the cause still being investigated.

At present, around 100 personnel are engaged in firefighting efforts, supported by two fixed-wing aircraft and four helicopters. Residents in the vicinity should anticipate increased emergency vehicle traffic as more crews and equipment arrive.

The evacuation orders remain unchanged, affecting areas from Howell Gulch Road to Meeteetsee Trail Road, while those north of Howell Gulch Road are under an evacuation warning. Additionally, Highway 212 is closed south of Red Lodge at the Beartooth Ranger Station.

On Monday night, firefighters executed strategic burn operations, including backburns, to eliminate fuel between the fire and established fire lines. They have also installed sprinkler systems around structures and cleared vegetation to enhance defensible space.

On Tuesday, the focus for firefighters is on safeguarding structures in the main canyon below Mount Maurice and Howell Gulch. Their objective is to halt the fire's advance northward and reinforce fire lines in anticipation of stronger winds later in the day.

Weather forecasts predict warm conditions with temperatures around 76 degrees and low humidity. Winds are expected to shift from south-southeast to southwest, with gusts potentially reaching 40 to 50 mph, which could escalate fire activity.

Officials have reiterated that the safety of the public and firefighters is the utmost priority. They urge residents to steer clear of the area and adhere to road closures to facilitate safe operations for emergency crews.