As of Tuesday, September 8, 2020, Montana reports 8,381 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 66 new cases reported in the last day: 10 in Rosebud County, 8 in Cascade County, 7 in Gallatin County, 5 in Flathead and Yellowstone Counties, 4 in Fergus County, 3 in each of Big Horn, Glacier, and Stillwater Counties, 2 in Deer Lodge, Lake, Lincoln, Missoula, Musselshell, and Park Counties, and 1 in each of Carbon, Custer, Dawson, Liberty, Silver Bow, and Wheatland Counties. Statewide, 502 people have been hospitalized, and 161 people currently are being treated in Montana hospitals for COVID-19. Yellowstone County has had 2,310 cases so far. Gallatin County has had 1,120. The number of active coronavirus cases in Montana is 1,992. The most active cases are in Yellowstone County, with 806 active cases. Gallatin County has 36. 119 people have died in Montana of COVID-19. Nationwide, more than 189,000 Americans have died. There have been 6,330,000 cases of coronavirus in the US, and counting.

The Bridger Foothills Fire continues to burn as of Tuesday, and is zero percent contained. On Monday and Tuesday, there was minimal fire activity with cooler temperatures and rain and snow. Structure protection measures are focusing on preventing reburn around homes and outbuildings. Firefighters will continue to secure the heel of the fire at its southwest corner and proceed north along the flank of the fire, using heavy equipment and air support as well as ground crews to dig fireline. The fire has not reached Bridger Bowl. All roads and trails in the Bridger and Bangtail mountains are now closed. 160 personnel are fighting the fire. Since the start of the fire, two large air tankers, four single engine air tankers, and four helicopters with buckets are dropping water and providing structure protection. Smokejumpers and ground firefighting crews are on the fire lines.

Some evacuation orders are lifted for residents of Jackson Creek and Kelly Canyon and Brackett Creek. The Kelly Canyon road closure has been moved from I-90 to the intersection of Bridger Canyon Road. Kelly Canyon and Moffit Gulch residents may return home permanently unless otherwise notified. The Jackson Creek road closure has been moved from I-90 to the intersection of Jackson Creek Road and Laughing Horse Lane. Residents between those two intersections may return home permanently unless otherwise notified. Bridger Canyon Road remains closed.

For those displaced by the fire, and for those wanting to help, you can call 211. The Help Center is taking calls for help and calls from helpers at 211. The American Red Cross of Montana has opened an evacuation center for those displaced by the Bridger Foothills Fire. The evacuation center is located at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 4383 Durston Road. Red Cross responders will provide families with water, food and updated information and connect them with community resources. Families in need of services can call the Montana Red Cross at 800-272-6668.

The Gallatin County Fairgrounds are offering assistance to those directly impacted by the fire.
– The Indoor Arena at the fairgrounds is available to house small crated animals.
– Anderson Arena is available for livestock.
– There are Unlocked stalls in the Horse Barn available
– The Red Cross is renting RV Spaces at the Fairgrounds.
If you are in need of any of these spaces, please call 406-582-3270 for more information.

Local veterinarians and boarding facilities also have offered places for pets, and on Facebook, Bozeman Lost Pet will post information for owners.

You can donate money to the Bridger Foothills Fire Relief Fund by texting BRIDGERS to 91999