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Fire Ignites Near Malmstrom, Multiple Crews Respond

By Corrina Pysa

Story Created: Aug 22, 2011 at 6:50 PM MDT

Story Updated: Aug 22, 2011 at 10:39 PM MDT

Multiple crews were called out to a grass fire this evening, threatening nearby structures. But quick action saved the day, getting things under control within minutes.

It ignited in a field on 60th St. N just outside of Malmstrom Air Force Base.

The blaze started at about 3 PM, spanning roughly 10 acres.

Responding crews included Gore Hill, Sand Coulee, Vaughn, Malmstrom and MANG; seven departments total.

Everything was under control within about 15 minutes and crews cleared the scene just before 5 PM, after taking care of some hot spots.

No nearby structures were damaged and no injuries were reported.

For Don Kirkhart, owner of Big Sky Auto Transport, the fire behind his business caused quite the scare.

"Yeah, it was pretty scary. We were trying to put it out. It started back here by some old cars parked on the corner back here and we tried to put it out but it just kind of took off, got into the grass. So I just called 911 right away," Kirkhart tells NewsChannel 5.

No word yet on the exact cause of the fire.

Kirkhart says he suspects it may have been ignited by a spark out of an exhaust pipe in the field behind his business.

We'll keep you updated.

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