Crews working the fire Tuesday night conducted a controlled burn of about 2,000 acres to assist in limiting the spread of the fire. Fire Information Officer Cindy Super says the crews didn't have a safe way to directly attack the flames so the indirect burn was the best idea. Super says, "We were able to go to an area that was safe and then it's a lower intensity burn. We're able to control it a little bit better. Certainly when the main fire, if it wouldn't have held and it gets out on this flat again then it would've been a long time before we could've caught it."

     Super says with the weather conditions the way they are some rain would be a big help to add some moisture and cool things down. Fire crews understand people wanting to light off fireworks especially on the fourth, but they urge you to be safe. Cindy Super says, "Rain would probably help out everywhere. It's extremely dry everywhere ... Southern Montana all the way through this area and so that would certainly help. Always want to remind people to be careful ... happy Fourth of July everyone and all the firefighters on the fires. We're aware that it's a holiday and that people want to go out and have fun, but be careful with your fireworks."

     There were 382 personnel working to contain the fire Wednesday, including three Type 1 hand crews, seven Type 2 hand crews, 21 engines, 3 dozers, and 6 water tenders. Twenty-two structures and 31 outbuildings are still being threatened by the fire.

Darren Leeds