Crews nearly wrangle Banana Lake Fire

More seasonal weather last week has aided efforts to wrangle the Banana Lake Fire in Sanders County.

The blaze was 75% contained with a footprint of 883 acres as of Monday morning, marking a slight reduction in size from previous estimates due to more accurate mapping from crews on the ground. The fire started May 31 in timber about 4 miles north of Plains. The cause remains under investigation.

No evacuation orders were issued, but a few homes were in the vicinity of the fire's south edge. According to the Northern Rockies Coordination Center, 50 structures are considered threatened, and one has been destroyed by the fire.

"It's in good shape around those homes, but we're taking extra precautions to get good separation," said Nick Holloway, the public information officer for the incident.

Last week, the fire approach high-tension power lines that run through the area. 

"It burned pretty close and that was a big concern," Holloway said. "That's a big value at risk."

The thick smoke from wildfires can conduct electricity if it gets into the lines, Holloway explained, making firefighting efforts more hazardous.

More than 235 firefighters were on the scene at one point, helping patrolling containment lines and working to secure the perimeter. As of Monday, the crew total was at 198, with the assistance of five engines, two helicopters, one doze and three skidgeons.

Drones were also being used to detect hot spots to ensure areas don't reignite.

According to Holloway, the fire experienced a "dirty burn" meaning there are areas of unburned vegetation on the edge. This makes mop-up challenging, as crews must carefully work through thick, uneven debris to find hot spots.

Firefighters also continued to work on a deep-seated heat source in a dry lakebed near Banana Lake on the southwest side of the fire. While there were no visible flames, access was difficult due to soft terrain.  

Total cost to fight the fire was estimated at more than $2 million, as of Monday.

Commuters on Montana 28 were warned to expect reduced speeds due to firefighter traffic.

"It's a big hazard when people are whizzing past on a winding road," Holloway said.

    Unmanned Aerial Systems is used to assist in detecting residual heat sources on June 6, 2025. (Photo John Stember)
  

    An aerial photo of Banana Lake Fire footprint taken on June 2, 2025. (Photo provided)
  

    Burned area on Banana Lake Fire. (Photo John Stember)
  

    Plains Community Ambulance staged during Banana Lake Fire initial attack on May 31, 2025.