2 Montana Wildfires Keep Spreading

Two stubborn wildfires in the Townsend area kept spreading Saturday despite the efforts of firefighters.

Officials said they had corralled another range fire in eastern Montana, but other, smaller fires dotted parts of the state.

Forecasts of windy weather remained a major concern.

The Angus fire, on the east shore of Canyon Ferry Lake northeast of Helena, grew about 500 acres overnight to about 1,500 acres. The flames rode “down-canyon” winds during the night, said information officer Dave Turner.

Fire managers doubled the firefighting force to 400. They were supported by two chemical bombers, two helicopters and three bulldozers.

Turner said no buildings were threatened, but there are numerous homes and recreational cabins in the area.

The Turner fire, southeast of Townsend in the 16-Mile creek area, spread to about 125 acres overnight, Bozeman Fire Department spokesman Kurt Bushnell said.

Volunteer fire departments from several Gallatin County communities were called to help, and the force attacking the blaze rose to about 40.

The blaze was mostly on land owned by Ted Turner, and some of his employees were helping.

A 1,400-acre range fire at Ft. Keough, near Miles City, has been contained and turned back to Ft. Keough personnel.