Monday, July 27, 2026

UPDATED: Two homes, three outbuildings lost in wildfire

Fund set up to help victims

A fast-moving, wind-driven wildfire destroyed two homes and three outbuildings in the Countryman Creek subdivision area Saturday.
At least one of the homes was occupied but the family had been evacuated and was safe. Both homes, and contents therein, were total losses. A gofundme site has been set up for one of the families who declined to be identified at this point as they are focusing on getting their feet back under them. To help that family go to https://www.gofundme.com/xa4k9awy
The cause of the blaze -- named the Arrowhead Pass Fire -- remains under investigation.
It was reported through a 911 call to the Stillwater County Sheriff’s Office dispatch at 12:38 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, regarding a fire near Arrowhead Ridge Road, approximately five miles southwest of Columbus.
As of Tuesday morning, Sept. 22, the fire was contained with only one truck on scene patrolling, said Columbus Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Nick Jacobs. There was a small “wind event” Sunday night that fortunately did not impact the fire.
Approximately 650 acres were burned.
Eighty homes were evacuated through the Reverse 911 phone system, but residents were allowed back in the area Sunday. The evacuation area was from Clark Drive to Countryman Creek Road, east all the way to Highway 78 and north to the river.
Columbus, Park City, Nye and Absarokee fire departments responded, as did Carbon County, Sweet Grass counties, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and the U.S. Forest Service.
Two helicopters and two heavy air tankers were among the resources called to the scene, with the helicopters working the area on both Saturday and Sunday. The Stillwater County Sheriff’s Office, the Columbus Police Department and county Disaster Emergency Services were also involved, according to dispatch records.
Also providing support was the Stillwater County road & bridge department.
“They were awesome to work with,” said Jacobs.
Columbus Fire Chief Rich Cowger said the area will be monitored throughout this week.