As of Monday, September 7, 2020, Montana reports 8,316 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 52 new cases reported in the last day: 21 in Yellowstone County, 5 in each of Lincoln, Big Horn, Meagher, and Rosebud Counties, 2 in each of Flathead, Gallatin, and Missoula Counties, and 1in each of Glacier, Hill, Musselshell, Park, and Stillwater Counties. Statewide, 498 people have been hospitalized, and 163 people are being treated in Montana hospitals for COVID-19. Yellowstone County has had 2,305 cases so far. Gallatin County has had 1,113. The number of active coronavirus cases in Montana is 1,952. The most active cases are in Yellowstone County, with 802 active cases. Gallatin County has 39. 118 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 Monday, and is zero percent contained. The blaze began Friday afternoon, close to the M at the foot of the Bridger Mountains. The size of the fire as of Monday, Labor Day, September 7, is 7,140 acres. On Monday, there was minimal fire activity with cooler temperatures and rain and snow. Structure protection measures are focusing on prevening 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. A Type 1 Incident Management Team arrived Sunday and Monday, according to InciWeb. 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.

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, roads and trails and airspace.

With a break in fire activity, 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 Creak 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 from Jackson Creek Road to Brackett Creek Road.

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.