Latest on Dahl Fire

Here’s the latest on the fire situation near Roundup!  The Dahl Fire has now grown to more than 18,000 acres.  Hundreds of families still remain out of their homes southwest of Roundup.  The Musselshell County Attorney told the Billings Gazette that at least 60 homes had burned.

Fueled by strong winds, the blaze made a major run yesterday also threatening the Signal Peak Mine which was also evacuated.  The cause of the fire is still under investigation but lightning was reported in the area on Monday night.  The weather will continue to challenge firefighters today, with temperatures expected to climb into the upper 80s and low 90s along with low humidity and 30mph winds.

Here’s a partial list of areas under evacuation orders due to the Dahl Fire:  Harper Coulee, Alpine, Buckskin, Grassy Flat, Bradley, Shortcut, Old Cabin, Scenic Way, McCord, Hampton, Aspen, Three Forks, Dillman, Canyon, Johnny Cole, Pleasant Grove, Beard, Rehder, East Parrot Creek, Bruner Mountain, Otter Trail, Hidden Springs, S. Fattig Creek, Old Divide, and Majerus.

The American Red Cross has set up a shelter at the Community Center in Roundup. Area residents can call the local DES office at 323-2777 for specific evacuation information.

Another fire has also been reported in Musselshell County.  The Hawk Creek fire has burned roughly 1,500 acres.  Governor Schweitzer plans to fly over both fires today along with the Ash Creek fire near Ashland.  The Governor has signed an emergency declaration for Musselshell, Rosebud, Custer, Treasure, Yellowstone and Big Horn Counties.