The west side of Lame Deer, Montana was evacuated Sunday as a wildfire burned into the town. Residents said it originated from a structure fire that spread into nearby vegetation, and pushed by strong winds it spread quickly. Rosebud County Sheriff Allen Fulton estimated the fire grew to approximately 1,700 acres before firefighters contained it. There were no reports of any additional structures burning.
The fire jumped across Highway 212 but firefighters were able to stop it at Highway 39, the main road that runs north and south through the town.
Sunday afternoon a weather station on Badger Peak east of Lame Deer recorded a high of 63 degrees, 23 percent relative humidity, and winds out of the west and southwest at 10 to 22 mph with gusts up to 42 mph.
Several residents posted videos and photos on social media.
Wildfire in Lamedeer, Montana on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation today. Evacuations have been issued. US HWY 212 in Lamedeer is closed from milepost 41 to 43. The fire is believed to be contained now but it did make its way into town. pic.twitter.com/UqauqjBs7k
— Ruth H. Hopkins (@RuthHHopkins) April 8, 2019
A fire in Montana already. While it was caused by a trailer burning down, I hope this isn’t a sign of a long fire season. Wind spread the fire quickly and caused Lame Deer to be evacuated. I hope it gets under control soon. pic.twitter.com/paOzOb4iTt
— Kinzie Bailey (@ecophys_baikin) April 8, 2019
Thanks and a tip of the hat go out to Al. Typos or errors, report them HERE.
Rainy, 54 degrees and breezy in Missoula while Billings was 70, very windy and partly cloudy the day of the fire.