Firefighters are working to secure containment lines around the 20,000 acre Gass Flats Fire, burning in grass, brush and timber 15 miles southeast of Custer in Rosebud County. The fire exploded overnight, driven by winds.
Multiple air tankers and helicopters were working with 225 personnel to get this lightning-caused fire contained before a red flag warning Saturday could create more wind-driven runs.
No evacuations have been ordered and no livestock or structures have been lost. Fire crews were able to save an old historic home in the area. The Gass Flats Fire is zero percent contained.
Meanwhile, firefighters Friday contained the lightning-caused 250-acre Tolluck Fire, also burning southeast of Custer, according to Rosebud County Disaster and Emergency Services. Crews have been performing mop up work.
The 453 acre lightning-caused Graveyard Creek Fire southeast of Forsyth has also been contained.
A red flag warning is in effect for south-central and southeast Montana from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday. Strong, gusty winds and low humidity are expected to create critical fire weather conditions that could lead to extreme fire behavior.
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