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BILLINGS- The wildfires burning in southeast Montana are continuing to grow with officials saying that the Ash Creek, Taylor, Coal Seam, Horse Creek and Powerline fires have now burned over 308,000 acres as nearly 465 people battle the blazes.

The Southeastern Montana Complex will be jointly managed by Greg Poncin's and Tom Heintz's Incident Management Teams.

The Ash Creek fire started 10 miles east of Lame Deer and spread to the north and east. Management of the fire is under the direction of an Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Tom Heintz.

(photo couresty inciweb.org)

The Taylor Creek fire started on July 3rd and is burning in timber and grass understory, 25 miles southeast of Ashland. The fire spread rapidly in all directions due to dry fuel conditions and hot, dry weather with extreme fire behavior being seen.

The Horse Creek fire started on July 2nd while the Powerline fire started on July 4th. Both fires are burning 20 miles west of Colstrip and are now on "patrol status" with firefighters looking for remaining hot spots.

The Coal Seam fire, located northwest of Busby, is fully contained and has burned 527 acres according to fire officials.

Reports as of mid-morning Friday show that the Ash Creek fire has burned 248,600 and is 70% contained, the Taylor Creek fire is at 46,214 and is 20% contained, The Horse Creek is at 95% containment and has scorched 7,575 acres. The Powerline fire at 5,265 acres is 90% contained while the Coal Seam fire is fully contained after burning 527 acres.