Massive fire 'contained'

The fire that ravaged 12,000 acres near the Blaine-Hill county line Tuesday and Wednesday is "100 percent contained," and is close to being under control, Blaine County Commissioner Vic Miller said Wednesday night.

A perimeter has been established around the fire, he said. Most firefighters were dismissed just before 4 p. m. Wednesday.

More than 100 firefighters from throughout the Hi-Line and central Montana helped out during the 30-hour effort to put out the fire.

The fire will not be declared "under control" until all the ground is cold, he said.

Miller praised the community and the support the firefighters got during the blaze.

He said churches in Havre, Chinook and Harlem provided volunteers to prepare meals for the firefighters.

"Dominos Pizza actually delivered pizza," he said. Finley's Food from Chinook provided water for all the volunteers.

Miller said every fire department in Hill and Blaine counties helped out, including Rocky Boy and Fort Belknap Indian Reservations. Some assistance came from as far away as Glasgow and Lewistown.

Despite the success in dousing the blaze, Miller said he still worried about what would happen if a second call came in during the fire.

He said firefighters would have responded to both calls, but would have been short-staffed.