Blister Fire South, Burns Approx. 3,500 Acres

August 17th, Daniels, Valley, and Roosevelt County fire departments battled a blaze east of Highway 250 by the Pershing School house which made a violent run southeast towards highway 13. Although the fire did jump highway 13, firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze before it could reach the Highland School house or jump Benrud Road.

So, what caused this massive blaze? Talking to Wolf Point Fire Chief Clint Bushman, the call came 4 days prior to the 17th as a combine fire. Upon arrival firefighters found a swather on fire and were able to extinguish the blaze. BIA took charge of the several day mop up and containment of the blaze. On the 17th, as a dozer was cutting containment lines through the thick sagebrush undergrowth, they found the root systems were burning deep under the surface. As winds picked up that day, hitting gusts up to 35 mph, the fir...