[ad_1]
NEAR WOLF CREEK – The Rock Creek fire north of Wolf Creek and west of Craig has now burned approximately 3,420 acres. The blaze started along Highway 287 on Saturday afternoon and spread to Interstate 15 after an incident with broken machinery set off the flames.
Resources on Sunday’s fire included 14 engines, three water supply vessels; two graders; a bulldozer; and two helicopters. Containment is now estimated at around 80%.
“The crews will continue to work on the edge of the fire all night long, so the fire will be busy overnight,” Incident Commander Scott Knauer said. “Once we decide how the progress went today, we will determine the right level of staff for tomorrow, but there will be staff on the go who will be working for the next two days. “
But despite the rapid spread of the flames, no buildings were damaged and no people, animals or livestock were injured.
For security reasons, eight houses were evacuated near the blaze, but were allowed to return home at 8 a.m. on Sunday.
“MPs and other law enforcement officials have come to the area and have determined that evacuations are necessary along Craig River Road,” said Kevin Wright, special operations captain of the County Sheriff’s Office. Lewis & Clark. “This information also came from working with Fire, and there were about 8 residences along Craig River Road that were evacuated in the evening. These evacuations were lifted this morning at 8 a.m.
The Albertsons grocery store on Montana Avenue in Helena will collect supplies for fire crews working to fight the blaze. Items needed include water, electrolyte drinks, high protein snacks without chocolate, beef jerky, granola bars, foot powder and wipes, as well as cash and gift card donations. .
The Lewis & Clark County Sheriff’s Office says that starting at 8 a.m. Sunday, I-15 northbound is open to traffic. Southbound I-15 traffic is limited to one lane from Craig off Highway 287.
(1st REPORT, SATURDAY JULY 10) A forest fire broke out between Craig and Wolf Creek on Saturday; it was named Rock Creek Fire by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
At approximately 6:45 pm, the Lewis & Clark County Sheriff’s Office said, “There is a fire burning between Craig and the Augusta Junction, in the area of milepost 232. Please avoid this area. “
Several witnesses said the fire was on the north / west side of I-15.
I-15 was closed between Craig and Wolf Creek. Northbound traffic is diverted to Montana Highway 434 and southbound traffic is reversed.
Law enforcement from several agencies is evacuating homes in the immediate vicinity of the blaze, and anyone who believes their home is on the way to the blaze should prepare to evacuate.
We will keep you posted as soon as we have more information.
MTN
[ad_2]
Source link