As of Sunday, September 6, 2020, Montana reports 8,264 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 100 new cases reported in the last day: 45 in Yellowstone County, 18 in Rosebud County, 13 in Big Horn County, 6 in Flathead and Gallatin Counties, 4 in Silver Bow County, and 1 in each of eight more Montana counties: Cascade, Dawson, Fallon, Liberty, Lincoln, Missoula, Richland, and Roosevelt Counties. Statewide, 486 people have been hospitalized, and 156 people are being treated in Montana hospitals for COVID-19. Yellowstone County has had 2,284 cases so far. Gallatin County has had 1,111. The number of active coronavirus cases in Montana is 1,904. The most active cases are in Yellowstone County, with 781 active cases. Gallatin County has 37. 117 people have died in Montana of COVID-19. Nationwide, more than 188,000 Americans have died. There have been 6,260,000 cases of coronavirus in the US, and counting.

The Bridger Foothills Fire continues to burn as of Sunday, and is zero percent contained. The blaze began Friday afternoon, close to the M at the foot of the Bridger Mountains. The estimated size of the fire on Friday night was about 400 acres. On Saturday, temperatures reached a hundred degrees, humidity was extremely low, and winds picked up, which caused the fire to run. The fire blew up to 7,000 acres. Authorities evacuated Bridger Canyon. The fire jumped Bridger Canyon Road and structures burned on the west and east side of the road.

Evacuation orders are in effect for residents of Bridger Canyon, Jackson Creek and Kelly Canyon, the Skunk Creek area of the Bangtails and Brackett Creek. Warnings of possible evacuations are going to residents of Quinn Creek, Fleshman Creek, O’rea Creek, Willow Creek, and all small areas in between. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office also is warning residents of the Moffit Gulch area. The fire has not reached Bridger Bowl. All roads and trails in the Bridger and Bangtail mountains are now closed. Bridger Canyon Road is currently closed to non-residents between Story Mill Road and Sedan. Fire officials ask that people stay out of that area. A Type 1 Incident Management Team was scheduled to arrive Sunday and Monday, according to InciWeb.

Three firefighters were forced to deploy emergency shelters and the fire burned over them. They were able to escape in the burned area after the fire burned over them. The three firefighters were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion and have since been released to return home to their families. Another firefighter was injured when he was hit in the chest by a rock rolling down a slope.

As of Saturday morning, 110 personnel are fighting the fire. Two large air tankers, four single engine air tankers, and four helicopters with buckets are dropping water and providing structure protection. There were reports on Sunday morning of drones being flown over the Bridger Foothills Fire. Do not fly drones. The Custer Gallatin National Forest says drones are prohibited in the fire area. Drones or any other aircraft have the potential to shut down firefighting operations. People are being asked help firefighters and emergency responders by steering clear of all closures, including airspace.

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. Masks are required. Families in need of services can call the Montana Red Cross at 800-272-6668.