Cottonwood Fire

Multiple area volunteer fire departments responded to a grass fire that spread across both sides of Highway 480 south of U.S. Highway 2 on March 25. The fire, which burned 689 acres, reached the brush line and thick stands of cottonwood trees but was contained north of the Missouri River by Tuesday evening, with firefighters monitoring hot spots and removing trees over the next two days. Culbertson fire chief Mike Olson told the Northern Plains Independent that the blaze was likely started along the roadway. Poplar Volunteer Fire Department members were supported by departments from Bainville, Culbertson, Froid and Wolf Point.

(Photo by James Walling)