Wind plagues fire crews’ effort near Billings

BILLINGS – Wind gusts up to 38 mph stirred up new trouble for firefighters working to corral a wildfire burning east of town Monday, a day after crews chased flames from the doorsteps of dozens of homes.

The Ford fire has burned an estimated 750 acres, prompting an evacuation order affecting some 300 homes. Two homes have been destroyed since the blaze erupted Sunday afternoon. No injuries have been reported.

In Western Montana, wind and low humidities continued to test fire lines at several blazes in the wake of more evacuations over the weekend.

Near the town of Seeley Lake, wind pushed the Jocko Lakes fire toward Placid Lake, prompting authorities to issue an evacuation order for that summer recreation area Sunday afternoon.

Southeast of Missoula, 213 cabins and homes in the path of a group of fires burning in three national forests remained evacuated.

The fires are part of the Sawmill complex, which has burned 50,575 acres, or 79 square miles, and was 10 percent contained. The blazes have cost $8.5 million to fight so far.

Up to 100 homes northwest of Missoula were still evacuated due to the Black Cat fire, which grew to 8,448 acres Monday and was 12 percent contained.

Associated Press