Fire Near Lincoln Ravages More than 100 Acres

Fire Near Lincoln Ravages More than 100 Acres

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By KFBB News Team

Story Published: Sep 23, 2009 at 11:04 PM MDT

Story Updated: Sep 23, 2009 at 11:11 PM MDT

Fire officials are breathing a sigh of relief tonight, while fighting a blaze that they say could have been much worse. The Copper Creek Fire began yesterday afternoon near Highway 200, four miles east of Lincoln.

This grass and timber fire has burned about 110 acres, signaling to experts that fire season is far from over.

Thanks to a multi-force effort, fire activity has diminished since starting around noon on Tuesday. Retardant planes, helicopters, members from the Forest Service, and firefighters from around the region were quick to respond.

"The most important thing is that this could have been much worse,” said Cindy Super of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. “If we had not responded so quickly and if the wind had acted up, we could have had trouble."

"It was a risky situation, but we made a good catch," said Matt Hedrick of DNRC.

Meanwhile, people in nearby Lincoln kept tabs on this blaze, as Highway 200 was not closed, but slowed to 35 miles per hour.

"I'm worried because houses and people can be in danger," said Anita Brougher of Lincoln.

Super says the Montana fire season has not been as severe as in previous years.

"Average fire season statewide is usually between 300 and 500 hundred starts. We are right around that, but less total land burned. August rain helped keep fires to a minimal."

But today's fire indicates that without caution, more fires could be on their way.

"Pay attention, it's dryer again. People should not be complacent. Be careful, fire season is not over."

Super says the cause of the blaze is unknown, but the fact that it started so close to the highway makes it suspicious. The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's office is investigating.

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