Fire burning on Rocky Boy

A fire that started on Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation that was reported Sunday afternoon had consumed about 200 acres, some on private land, by this morning and officials anticipate today's weather will likely help the blaze to spread.

The East Fork Fire was reported about 4 p.m. Sunday, Office of Forestry Fire Manager Theron Oats said this morning. The cause of the fire is unknown and being investigated, Oats added. The fire is burning east of Bear Paw Ski Bowl and north of Baldy at the East Fork Reservoir, mostly on the reservation but with some flames off the reservation as well.

Several agencies comprising about 75 people have responded.

In addition to the Chippewa Cree Natural Resources Forestry Fire Department, the Bear Paw Volunteer Fire Department, the Wildhorse Volunteer Department and the Kremlin Volunteer Department have all sent firefighters to battle the flames.

Forecast strong winds and high temperatures will probably cause the fire to grow, Oats said, "but not exponentially."

Dan Friede, forest development technician at Rocky Boy's Office of Forestry, said this morning the fire is about 10 percent contained with fire lines being developed.

Air tankers and helicopters have been dropping fire retardant and water on the flames.

Chippewa Cree Tribal Water Resources Department Director Dustin White said homes are not in danger as of now and although air quality "is not bad," the wind is expected to whisk the smoke south and present air quality issues.

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Havre Daily News reporter Alex Ross contributed to this report.