BROWNING, Mont. (AP) — Blackfeet tribe officials say firefighters are starting to get a handle on two wind-fueled fires that have burned buildings and forced evacuations on the northwestern Montana reservation.
The fires started Wednesday evening and quickly spread to 45,000 acres overnight, fueled by wind gusts greater than 70 miles per hour. At least 300 people were forced from their homes, though no injuries were reported.
Blackfeet fire officer Tyson Runningwolf says at least 80 people from the tribe, neighboring counties and federal agencies helped beat back the fires overnight, so the burn area is down to 16,000 acres.
He says that one of the fires is 80 percent contained and the other is 75 percent contained.
Runningwolf says some structures have been damaged. Officials plan to take a count later this morning.
Comment Now: Post Your Thoughts & Comments on This Story
