forwarded from a friend;
Middle of Winter and grass fires are raging near Browning (SE of us). Too far away from our place to threaten it (yet). News coverage from last night and this morning follows:
Wild winds are fueling a series of fires around Browning.
We're told that nearly 100 people have been forced to evacuate, including 73 children from the Blackfeet Boarding dormitory.
The tribe's coordinator for disaster and emergency services, Robert DesRosier, tells us the largest fire - located just south of Browning - has burned more than 1,000 acres.
At least seven structures have reportedly been destroyed and 15 more are threatened. At this time, there are no reports of injuries.
Highway 2 between Cut Bank and Browning is shut down at this hour, and Highway 89 south of Browning is reported to be closed as well.
Crews have come from several towns away including Valier and Dupuyer, and are expected to fight the blaze through the night.
The cause of the fires is not yet known, but powerful winds - sustained at more than 40 miles per hour and gusting to over 50 mph - are making conditions extremely hazardous.
KRTV friend Everett Holm says that people in and around Browning should tune their radios to 107.5; fiire updates about are being broadcast every 15 minutes.
From KRTV friends Elizabeth and Rachel: Cut Bank Moose Lodge and Cut Bank Civic Center are open for evacuees from the Browning fires.
We will update you as we learn more.
Click the images above for larger views; if you'd like to share your photos, you can upload them to our Breaking News gallery or send them to krtvnews@krtv.com.
Photo courtesy of Angelika Harden-Norman:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(FIRST REPORT, 6:33 pm) At least three and up to five large fires are burning in and near Browning.
Fire crews from Dupuyer, Valier, and Shelby have been called in to assist.
Several evacutions underway, including Boarding School, Cut Bank Creek, and in the community of Blackfoot.
The fires stretch from from about 3 miles north of Browning to 20 miles south of Browning.
Authorities are asking for people to restrict travel unless necessary or ordered.
Officials have closed Highway 2 through the area, and are in the process of closing Highway 89 south of Browning.
Shannon Augare, a MT State Senator from Browning, posted the following messages on his Twitter account:
"Several families, including mine have evacuated from our homes in Blackfeet Country.. An estimated 5 massive fires are in progress.."
"Local police, fire and EMS crews are everywhere.. Responding where they are able to. Please keep these individuals in your prayers."
"The Blackfeet Tribe has opened our main Tribal Business Office for those who need emergency shelter.."
Augare tells us that the situation is "very scary" and advises people to stay indoors unless they are directly threatened.
The cause of the fires is not yet known, but powerful winds - sustained at more than 40 miles per hour - are making conditions extremely hazardous.
We will update you as we learn more.