Crews battling 1,000-acre fire in Stillwater County
A fire burning in Stillwater County has torched several hundred acres and prompted the shutdown of a wind farm.
The Windmill fire has been burning for several days, with an estimated 1,000 to 1,500 acres consumed by the blaze, according to the latest update from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
Fires have been battling to contain the blaze, including state, federal and county resources. Residents were evacuated from about eight miles north of Columbus and along Highway 87.
Firefighters were assigned to the fire Aug. 19 after receiving a call about smoke. By Tuesday, firetenders were assessing the blaze and talking to residents about fire precautions. By Wednesday, the fire was estimated to be 1,000 acres and growing.
Last year was extremely dry, with over 70,000 acres burned in Montana. So far this year, only about 30% of those fires have been contained. To the west, the 25,000-acre Black Creek and Sage Creek fires have been contained, according to a Billings Gazette update, with nearly 1,000 personnel assigned to the fires, including many hotshot crews.
Last year was extremely dry, with over 70,000 acres burned in Montana.
