Red Lodge residents return home as East Side Fire containment grows

The East Side Fire, burning approximately seven miles south of Red Lodge along U.S. Highway 212, entered a new phase Wednesday when the Carbon County Sheriff's Office lifted mandatory evacuation orders that had displaced 185 families. Highway 212, which had been closed south of Red Lodge, reopened to through traffic as conditions improved, though fire personnel remained active in the area.[2][5] The fire started April 20 on the eastern side of East Side Road, with the cause remaining under investigation. The blaze grew to 1,241 acres with zero containment as of Wednesday morning before crews achieved 10% containment by evening—a significant shift in the firefighting effort.[1][5] Red Lodge Fire Chief Tom Kuntz noted the fire's progression had slowed, providing officials confidence to lift evacuation orders despite continued firefighting operations.[6] While the primary evacuation order was lifted, access restrictions remain in place to support ongoing suppression work. East Side Road North, East Side Road South, and Howell Gulch Road are now open to local traffic only, allowing residents to assess their properties while protecting firefighting operations.[5] A Forest Closure Order issued by the U.S. Forest Service covers surrounding public lands as crews continue mapping the fire's perimeter using infrared technology. Red Lodge residents are beginning to survey fire damage after days of uncertainty. Officials urged the public to remain cautious while traveling through the area, as firefighting personnel continue working to fully contain the blaze and prevent spread toward the community.