Wildfire Near Sieben Flats Closes Southbound I-15 North of Helena

A wildfire burning directly adjacent to Interstate 15 near Sieben Flats forced Lewis and Clark County Emergency Management to close southbound lanes north of Helena Thursday afternoon, diverting traffic onto Chevallier Drive as the fire severely reduced visibility on the roadway.

The Montana Department of Transportation posted the closure spanning mile marker 216.5 to 212.0 on southbound I-15, citing blocked lanes, a detour, and emergency vehicles on scene. Northbound lanes were also affected, with traffic stretching back more than a mile from the Gates of the Mountains exit as of 4:30 p.m.

Lewis and Clark County Emergency Management reported at 7:06 p.m. that I-15 had reopened, with traffic being slowly escorted between the Sieben and Gates of the Mountains exits. Officials warned drivers to expect continued delays because the fire remained in close proximity to the roadway, and urged anyone traveling through the area to find alternate routes avoiding I-15 entirely.

The Sieben Flats fire was one of three new wildfires that DNRC firefighters responded to across Lewis and Clark and Jefferson counties on March 20. Two others were burning north along and near I-15 in the corridor between Great Falls and Helena.

The Rattlesnake Fire, burning just north of the Gates of the Mountains exit, had consumed at least 40 acres. The Ordway Fire, roughly 2.5 miles northeast of the town of Craig, had burned at least 70 acres and was reported to be growing. Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton said he was headed to the Ordway Fire to evaluate whether evacuations were needed. At 7:40 p.m., his office issued an evacuation order for residents near that fire.

Evacuations took effect for areas south of Beaver Slide Loop, including Arrow Drive, Ordway Road, and Little Bear Lane. Roads were closed at North Fork Road, the junction of Charbonneau Drive and Frazier Road, and at both ends of Beaver Slide Loop. Residents who evacuated were told to take essential items including medications and medical equipment, and were advised they would not be permitted to return until the order was lifted. Those choosing to remain inside the evacuation zone were instructed to stay on their own property.

Emergency responders asked the public to stay out of all affected areas to allow fire crews to work safely. Winds were expected to continue overnight, with fire conditions scheduled for reevaluation Saturday.