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POLSON- Fire officials report progress is being made in the battle against the West Garceau Fire that's burned about 9,000 acres west of Polson.

The blaze is now 20% and over 180 people are assigned to the blaze which sparked near Hot Springs in Sanders County on Monday evening.

Winds pushed the fire from over 300 acres to around 8,000 acres in less than 48 hours, forcing some evacuations in the Irvine Flats area.

Firefighters from across the country, including crews from Connecticut and New York have now set up shop at the Polson fairgrounds as officials try to corral the blaze.

The fire is burning in grass as well as forest land with grass understory and fire officials say that Thursday's winds pushed the flames into some forested areas.