Firefighters are tackling a new wildfire that’s burning through sage and juniper in southwestern Montana. The Antelope Fire, burning about two miles north of Harrison in southwestern Montana, grew to almost 2,000 acres by midday Wednesday.
Madison County Public Information Officer, Bonnie O’Neil says the fire, first reported Tuesday afternoon is burning in junipers, grassland and sagebrush.
"It’s not in the timber, pretty much low to the ground."
O’Neil says the fire, which by Wednesday afternoon was zero percent contained, is not threatening livestock or any significant structures. No evacuation orders have been issued.
The Madison County Sheriff’s office is leading the investigation into how the fire started.
O’Neil reminds Montanans that despite the cool, crisp mornings and shorter autumn days, fire season is still active.
The National Weather service says wildfire smoke from Washington will likely move into Idaho and western Montana starting Thursday. However, forecasters say it will mainly be perceived as a visual haze than affect air quality or visibility.
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