Michael Santoscoy

2 weeks ago | nbcmontana.com | Michael Santoscoy

HELENA, Mont. — DNRC has made progress on containing 15% of the Hilger Valley Fire. But the fire has now burned over 300 acres. According to DNRC’s report, crews and dozers made significant progress establishing control lines around the fire’s perimeter. Helicopters continue to provide aerial support, dropping water along the fire’s edge to strengthen containment line and cool hotspots. Hand crews and engine crews will continue constructing handline to reinforce the fire’s perimeter.

2 weeks ago | nbcmontana.com | Michael Santoscoy

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — A small eruption at Yellowstone National Park was recently caught on camera, but scientists say it’s just the latest in a series of blasts they’ve been tracking since a much larger explosion last summer. It happened May 31 in Biscuit Basin at the Black Diamond Pool, the same area that saw a much bigger explosion last July. Michael Poland, the lead scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, said the Biscuit Basin has a history of small eruptions.

2 weeks ago | nbcmontana.com | Michael Santoscoy

HELENA, Mont. — Fire crews are working quickly to contain the Hilger Valley Fire, burning nearly 300 acres north of Helena. Throughout the day, pilots are coming in, collecting water from the upper Holter Lake at the Gates of the Mountains Marina. That's been the primary source to combat this fire. NBC Montana reached out to DNRC to find out the status of the fire. As of Tuesday afternoon, the fire is burning 288 acres and is 0% contained.

2 weeks ago | nbcmontana.com | Michael Santoscoy

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — Three years ago this week, a record flood ripped through Yellowstone National Park. The disaster wiped out roads, damaged infrastructure, and temporarily closed entrances to the park. Since then, millions of dollars have been spent to repair the park's north and Northeast Entrance Roads between Lamar River Canyon and Warm Creek, and Mammoth Hot Springs and the North Entrance in Gardiner.

2 weeks ago | nbcmontana.com | Michael Santoscoy

HELENA, Mont. — Day one of NorthWestern Energy’s rate hike hearing is in the books, as the Montana Public Service Commission begins weighing the company’s request to increase customer rates. “The evidence in this case will show that the decisions NorthWestern has made over the last two years resulting in safe, reliable, and affordable service were prudent decisions that comply with Montana law,” said Sarah Norcott, NorthWestern Energy director of regulatory counsel.