Evacuation orders have been lifted for the Pumpkin Fire burning 15 miles south southwest of Miles City. None of the 66 threatened structures have been lost as of Friday afternoon.
Al Nash, Bureau of Land Management spokesperson, credited the large- and single-engine air tankers, helicopters, engines and heavy equipment from multiple agencies and departments for allowing firefighters to move quickly on the fast-moving fire. It was 75% contained as of Friday morning, and full containment is anticipated on Saturday.
The size of the Pumpkin Fire has been reduced to just under 1,300 acres. Its cause is still unknown.
The lightning-caused Old Baldy Fire burning northeast of Sheridan is now 40% contained. The fire – located terrain in the Tobacco Root Mountains of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest – is burning timber and grass in steep and inaccessible terrain, and is holding at 129 acres. Fire managers expect minimal fire behavior Friday with minimal smoke.
Fire activity on the Richard Mountain Fire burning south of Rock Springs, Wyo., has diminished over the past 24 hours but dangerous red flag weather conditions continue.
Fire crews are reinforcing and securing containment lines around the 11 square mile fire to minimize the spread potential.
The fire is threatening energy infrastructure and sage grouse habitat and is 30 percent contained. The cause of the fire which began on August 3 is unknown.
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