Fire Watch

UPDATE: 50 firefighters battle Willow Creek Fire

Posted: Jul 11, 2012 7:58 AM by Adam Bell- MTN News
Updated: Jul 11, 2012 7:59 AM

LIVINGSTON- More than a dozen homes are confirmed evacuated due to a growing wildfire near Livingston.

Park County Rural Fire Captain Drew Beattie says they have over 50 people fighting the fire tonight, with more resources on the way for Wednesday. Lightning and power transmission lines suspected to be the cause of the blaze.

A neighbor, who didn't want to be named, says he saw homeowners hosing down property to save what they could with strong gusty winds fanning the flames. A lot of tall dry grass in the area, that when fire hits, it spreads quickly and easily. An orange glow, as the fire burned the mountain side. Thick smoke hangs in the air, as far away as 10 miles out of town.

Park County Sheriff Allan Lutes, who aided in the evacuations, says approximately 30 homes were evacuated. Multiple agencies, including Park County Sheiff, Livingston Police and Montana highway patrol were on hand to assist in the evacuations.

More information will be available from officials Wednesday morning.