Fire Near Bone Trail

At approximately 1230 on Friday [July 21], Fish and Game wardens reported seeing smoke near Bone Trail. Mutual aid was immediately requested from CMR based out of Fort Peck. Our local BLM ranger notified BLM dispatch out of Lewistown. While crews were en route Sheriff Boyer was able to get eyes on the fire via airplane. This greatly improved our response time giving us a precise location, estimated size and terrain.

CMR responded with a type 4 engine, the Pines responded with a type 6 engine, and another type 6 engine responded from Long Run.

The fire is in very steep terrain with heavy timber involved. It is mostly on private land with a small section being CMR owned. Initial fire attack began immediately. CMR requested assistance from a helicopter due to parts of the interior being inaccessible. Several loads of water were dropped prior to nightfall and partial containment was achieved. CMR released crews from the Pines and Long Run around 21:00 Friday night but they stayed to monitored the scene all night.

A crew from Long Run went back to the scene Saturday morning at 0630 to assist with firefighting efforts. Water drops from a helicopter have continued throughout the day and a CMR crew from Miles City is en route to assist. This incident is labeled the “Ewe Fire” that’s approximately 13 acres and 50% contained with no further fire spread expected. It [was] estimated to be 100% contained by [July 24].

Quick actions from all entities involved prevented this from becoming a much larger scaled event. The mutual aid agreements in place are such important factors in our firefighting efforts. A huge thanks goes out to everyone involved.