Pine Hill Fire, Reed Point

Update: Thursday, September 2, 2004

Location: South of Reed Point near the Reed Point exit.

Size: Approximately 2,000 acres, better mapping expected today.

Weather: As of 3:00 pm Thursday, heavy rain had moved into the area, and hail was forecast.

Agencies: Stillwater Fire, Sweet Grass Fire, Absarokee Fire, Park City Fire, DNRC, Stillwater and Sweet Grass road crews, US Forest Service.

Situation: The fire started on a ridgetop south of the intersate near the Reed Point exit in Stillwater County. Winds carried the fire down a coulee through timber and brush toward the interstate east of Reed Point. Spot fires started in the median of the interstate and on the other side where a barn was burned down. This outbuilding was the only structure lost. Firefighters protected and saved, three residences immediately threatened. Before midnight the winds picked up and pushed the fire over the Sweet Grass County line. Smoke and fire closed the interstate intermittently during the evening. Montana Highway Patrol slowed traffic and reduced it to one lane for safety reasons. Northwest Energy personnel was on hand to turn off power where needed. They were also concerned about a major power line that ran through the area being threatened by the flames.

Containment: As of 9:00 am Thursday morning the Pine Hill Fire was 50% contained and crews were working hard to contain the fire on the most active part near the Sweet Grass County line. Crews were expecting the cool, cloudy weather to help with efforts on Thursday.

All photos below were taken Wednesday, September 1.