Wildfire in North Rocky Mountain Front, Montana

A grass fire near Blackfoot, Montana was reported at 4:22 am on December 1st, fueled by dry grasses and wind gusts over 90 mph. Despite these strong winds and dry grasses, fire officials were able to control the fire by 11am, allowing residents to return to their homes. No homes were lost to the blaze, but a barn was damaged as the fire burned 780 acres.

Strong winds continued to howl across the plains as December began, bringing widespread impacts to the region. These winds combined with an ongoing drought and resulting very dry fine fuels to create conditions ripe for the rapid spread and growth of fires that started. By 6am, crews were working at least three fires across North-Central Montana, one just south of Great Falls, one near Denton, and one near Browning. See episode titled High Winds to Start December for more information on the winds.