Fire near Columbus 85% contained

Posted: Aug 24, 2010 8:34 AM by Q2 News Staff
Updated: Aug 24, 2010 4:30 PM

VIDEO: Columbus fire burns over 6,000 acres

COLUMBUS - Fire officials say the Stump Gulch Fire north of Columbus is still estimated at 9,870 acres. Sunday night's rain helped damper the fire, and Monday's cooler temperatures and higher humidity helped keep the fire calm, containment is estimated at 85 percent.

Today fire crews are working on completing and re-enforcing fire lines and mopping up hot spots.

All roads are now open to the public.

No injuries have been reported and no structures have been burned.

FIRE HISTORY:The Stump Gulch was reported at 11:11 a.m. on Saturday, August 21. Columbus Fire Chief Rich Cowger says two people were cutting pipe to work on a well when the fire ignited Saturday near mile marker 400 on I-90. Initially the fire moved northeast most of Saturday. Extreme fire behavior caused spotting up to one-quarter mile ahead of the fire. Stillwater County used the emergency notification system to evacuate 8 residents from Columbus Heights subdivisions. Those residents have been allowed to return to their homes.

WEB EXTRA: Evacuation information for Columbus area. Stillwater County is using a reverse 911 system to contact homeowners. If you have a cell phone go to the Web site below and register your number with the county. If you have immediate questions call Stillwater County 322-5326.

http://www.co.stillwater.mt.us/