Skibstad Fire 35% Contained
Incident: Skibstad Fire Wildfire
Released: 7/26/2012
July 25, 2012, 8:15pm, Columbus, Montana - The incident management team briefed this evening on the Skibstad Fire found the situation much less daunting than it was a mere 24 hours previously. The fire, estimated at 3,215 acres has fireline constructed around much of it, and is 35% contained. Team fire operations personnel were quick to praise the work of first responders, county fire departments, and others for the hard work since the fire was reported yesterday.
About 250 people are now currently working the Skibstad Fire, including hotshot crews, smokejumpers, engines, dozers, graders, and a bevy of additional personnel. Plans call for a night shift again tonight, where the focus will be on the northwest corner of the fire. That area, which is closest to structures and prompted evacuations earlier today, will be the focus, as firefighters work to protect homes and secure fireline in the area.
There will be a public meeting tomorrow (Friday) night at 7:00pm at Columbus High School for affected residents and the public. Information related to the cause of the fire and structures damaged and/or destroyed is still being gathered. No injuries have been reported.
