Divide Complex-Balsinger Fire (Wildfire)

Cascade County Sheriff’s Office has issued an evacuation order for residents of Belt Park due to Balsinger Fire activity northwest of Neihart.   The lightning-caused Balsinger Fire, burning 7 miles west of Neihart, started on July 8, 2021 and is being managed as part of the Divide Complex with the Ellis Fire. It is one of several wildfires burning on the White Sulphur Springs Ranger District of the Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest.The Southern Area Incident Management Gold Team, led by Incident Commander Debbie Beard, assumed command of the fire on July 23, 2021. Multiple resources are responding to the fire. Firefighters continue suppression and firing operations towards the 2017 Blacktail Fire footprint, holding the fireline along the east. Aerial resources are supporting boots on the ground. Hot and dry conditions continue across the area with near red flag conditions. Active to extreme fire behavior is expected, with substantial growth possible. AdvisoriesDo not fly…