Structures Safe After Culbertson Area Fire

Locals Feed Crews, Volunteers

Froid Volunteer Fire Department Chief and incident commander Cam Friede told the Community

News that several fires combined to keep multiple departments busy over the weekend north of Culbertson. Approximately 2,000 acres burned near Sugar Top Hill before it was extinguished Sunday.

Multiple departments contributed to the effort, including Culbertson, Froid, Bainville, Medicine Lake, Fairview and Williston. Area landowners contributed with blades, tractors and water trailers. Montana Department of Natural Resources deployed resources as well.

“I called Montana DNRC Fire on Friday afternoon and asked for help,” said Friede. “They sent four engines up to help us Saturday and Sunday. The engines that came were from Savage, Jordan, Baker and Miles City.”

According to Friede, a page came in a little after 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 24. Firefighters were on the scene within minutes, assessing what began as five or more fires on both sides of Highway 16 a few miles north of Culbertson. Several of the blazes on the east side of the highway combined into one larger fire by Friday afternoon.

The origins of the Sept. 24 fires were uncertain at press time, but Friede said a vehicle with equipment dragging may have thrown sparks that started the fires.

“With the hot and dry conditions, be mindful of the condition of your vehicle, brakes, chains,” said Friede.

Friede expressed his gratitude to Scoops and Wild West Diner in Culbertson for feeding fire crews and volunteers.

The chief added a warning for onlookers in the future: stay away from active fires.

“When we have events like this one,” said Friede, “please stay away.”

Friede said there were several near misses with department vehicles and onlookers on county roads with poor visibility due to smoke.

He added that anyone willing to help during a fire should call Roosevelt County Dispatch at 406653-6240 and ask that you and any equipment you have be made available to incident commanders.