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Wildfire, fire management and air quality news for western Montana and the Northern Rockies.

Montana Fire Crews Still Responding To New Wildland Fires

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest fire crews conduct burnout operations and perimeter security on the Sourdough Fire burning about 14 miles west of Dell on Nov. 1, 2020.
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest fire crews conduct burnout operations and perimeter security on the Sourdough Fire burning about 14 miles west of Dell on Nov. 1, 2020.

A nine square mile wildfire burning in the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest is estimated to be 75 percent contained as of Nov. 2.

The Sourdough Fire burning 14 miles west of Dell in southwest Montana was first reported on Oct. 30 burning in timber, brush and short grass.

Twelve aircraft, 11 engines and 54 firefighters are conducting burnout operations and securing the perimeter of the fire.

No structures are currently threatened and no closures are in place at this time.

Fire officials said Forest Service crews last week reported finding abandoned and active campfires in the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest. They’re asking the public to make sure campfires are completely out and cold to the touch, as a recent change in weather has diminished any beneficial moisture from recent snowfall.

Fire officials praise local landowners for supporting fire crews and facilitating with rapid response to potential fire threats.

Copyright 2020 Yellowstone Public Radio

Kay Erickson has been working in broadcasting in Billings for more than 20 years. She spent well over a decade as news assignment editor at KTVQ-TV before joining the staff at YPR. She is a graduate of Northern Illinois University, with a degree in broadcast journalism. Shortly after graduation she worked in Great Falls where she was one of the first female sports anchor and reporter in Montana.
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