Posted: Jul 4, 2012 6:40 AM by MTN News
Updated: Jul 4, 2012 6:44 AM
ASHLAND- The largest wildfire currently burning in Montana continues to be the Ash Creek Fire which grew to 204,000 acres and continued to spread on Tuesday..
Containment remains at 55% and on the ground, firefighters found little help from the weather, with winds gusting up to 35 mph, pushing the fire further.
The wind-fueled fire was traveling up to three miles per hour across the tree tops; on the ground it was moving as fast as 16 mph.
The wind kept the Ash Creek Fire very active to the northeast, but we're told progress was made against the flames in northern and southern sections of the fire zone.
At least 810 firefighters are now helping battle the fire, with the bulk of the fire ighters stationed in Ashland.
The flames burned closer to the edge of Highway 212 creating low visibility as hotshot crews worked to protect structures.
Crews are using several firefighting techniques, including fire line breaks, to slow the fire's progress.
On Wednesday the fire bosses expect another active day with high temperatures and humidity down into the teens.
We're also told that BLM fire crews are battling two new fire starts near the Ash Creek Fire in the area near Fort Howes.
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