The Horsethief Fire that has destroyed one structure and burned more than 300 acres in Musselshell County is 50 to 60% contained, reports Musselshell County Disaster and Emergency Services.
Today crews are working to secure the south flank of the fire and areas around structures before expected wind events Monday afternoon.
The fire 7 miles west of Roundup was first reported on Saturday and forced the sheriff’s office to issue evacuation orders that were lifted on Sunday. The cause of the fire is unknown. So far, it has cost $50,000 to fight.
The Moose Fire, a mile east of Homestake Pass, closed Interstate-90 eastbound for a time Sunday afternoon as tanker aircraft dumped retardant on the 28-acre fire.
Butte-Silver Bow Emergency Management reports firefighters have stopped the forward progress of the fire and are now working to contain active spot fires. One spot fire jumped north of I-90 but was quickly extinguished.
The red flag warning in effect across southern Montana Monday and Tuesday have fire crews on alert.
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning in effect until Tuesday night from Beaverhead County eastward to Montana’s border with the Dakotas.
Unseasonably hot temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds up to 40 miles an hour can contribute to extreme and erratic fire behavior.
