Continuous News

Crews suppressing new fires near Drummond

Posted: Aug 23, 2012 10:27 PM by Posted: Aug 23, 2012 6:32 PM by Kate Whittle with Robin O'Day reporting - KPAX News

Crews say they have a good handle on the new Felan Gulch fires, reported about 1:30 p.m. this afternoon. The Granite County Sheriff went door-to-door to evacuate residents, and said many had already left.

Between 40 and 60 acres are burning about 15 miles east of Drummond, near the Garnet ghost town. The fires occupy the same steep, dry terrain that was burned in a 2006 blaze, according to a fire official.

Officials said homes are being kept safe thanks to the efforts of a K-MAX helicopter, which is designed to carry large amounts of water. Though the fire line reached the edges of some residential property, no buildings have been damaged so far.

Responding agencies include the Montana Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Forest Service and the Drummond and Valley fire departments.

Photos from viewer Amanda Cressler.

-Robin O'Day reporting