Update 7:30 p.m.
Fire crews are expected to continue dousing a fire overnight that sent thick black smoke billowing over part of Billings Monday afternoon.
Lockwood Fire received a call about 1:30 p.m. of a large scrap metal pile on fire at Big Sky Steel and Salvage on Lockwood Road.
The scrap pile is about 400 feet wide by 50 feet long.
“There’s refrigerators, cars, there’s all kinds of everything in the world in the metal pile,” says Lockwood Fire Chief Branden Stevens.
Stevens says it was difficult to access the fire, making it a challenge to put out.
“Our plan right now is to try and remove as much debris as possible and put water on the fire,” Stevens said.
It’s still not clear what sparked the fire.
(original story) Firefighters are responding to a large fire in a salvage yard near Lockwood, Yellowstone County said Monday.
County officials said "numerous" firefighting resources are in the area, along with law enforcement to help with traffic control, officials said in an emergency alert.
A smoke column is highly visible, and crews are working to contain what officials called a "very challenging fire."
Officials urged the public to avoid the area or stop on the roadways. In addition, people should avoid calling 911 unless the fire spreads.
Here's the full release:
There is a large fire burning in a salvage yard near Lockwood. There are numerous firefighting resources in the area, and law enforcement is assisting with traffic control. The smoke column is very visible and will be for some time as crews work to contain this very challenging fire.
Please refrain from approaching the area or stopping on roadways as traffic congestion is a concern.
Please also refrain from calling 911 to report the fire or smoke unless you see flames associated with an entirely separate fire in a different location.
Those with respiratory conditions should avoid exposure to the smoke by remaining indoors.
There is no need to evacuate and no further cause for concern at this time. Should this change, and updated Alert will be sent.
