Firefighters are attempting to stop the spread of the Rehder Creek Fire, which quickly grew to 5,000 acres and prompted evacuations in the Bruner Mountain area.
The fire started around 3 p.m. on Thursday about 16 miles southeast of Roundup and grew quickly due to strong gusty winds in the area, according to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Montana DNRC said challenging terrain and limited access to the area made fire suppression difficult and that firefighters were working to strengthen control lines and protect buildings as they scouted for safe access.
Montana DNRC said fire activity may continue to increase due to continued gusty winds on Friday morning. Evacuation orders were put in place for all residents in the Burner Mountain area and Reverse 911’s were sent out to people in the area, according to the Musselshell County Disaster and Emergency Services.
A shelter was opened at the Roundup Community Center for people who were forced to evacuate, Musselshell County DES added. Montana DNRC asked people to stay away from the fire area for firefighter safety. “Firefighter and public safety remain the top priority, and the public is asked to avoid the area to ensure emergency personnel can safely and effectively preform their work,” Montana DNRC wrote in its report about the fire.
