Posted: Jul 4, 2012 10:06 AM by MTN News
Updated: Jul 4, 2012 10:06 AM
BILLINGS- Firefighters are continuing to make progress as they battle the Dry Creek Fire that's burning west of Billings after being sparked on Tuesday afternoon.
The fire is estimated to have burned 1,200 acres and is 0% contained as of Wednesday morning.
The blaze, which originated in a structure, quickly spread to grass and timber, fueled by triple-digit temperatures and gusty winds which were forecast and identified in a Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service earlier in the day.
The Laurel Fire Department tells us one man was taken to the hospital with burn injuries and that several structures have been lost.
Fire departments from neighboring counties, DNRC engines, and others worked through the night, constructing a fire line and mopping up hot spots, with particular attention around residential structures.
Wednesday's plan calls for continued line construction, with engines and personnel on the ground aided by helicopters dropping buckets of water and, if needed, the use of heavy air tankers stationed at the Billings airport.
Roughly 80 people are working on the Dry Creek Fire which the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Department says that the was fire triggered by a homeowner who was using a metal grinder that created sparks.
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