Labor Day fires send smoke over Havre

Two separate fires sent smoke billowing over Havre Monday afternoon, Wildhorse Rural Fire Department Chief Shawn Rismond said, and consumed about 600 acres of cropland and pastures.

"I'm glad that everybody came to help," he said. "We couldn't have done it by ourselves."

Kremlin Rural Fire Department Chief Kody Peterson said that officials are unsure of what started the fires, although the two fires started around the same time and the first fire, although significantly smaller than the second had started on Wildhorse Road, south of the KOJM/KPQX radio station turn off.

He added that although they do not know what started the fire he wants to caution people and ask them to be vigilant about their trailers chains, tires and wheel bearings.

The second, 600 acre fire was located about a mile-and-a-half, two miles east of St. Joe Road.

Rismond said the fire swept across acres of cropland and pastures and ended at the coulee directly north of the radio station, he said.

"With the wind as bad as it was, it's amazing it didn't get further down," he said. "... It turned out pretty good."

Peterson said the wind was a large concern with the fire.

"We were all really nervous about the wind today," he said. "It was pretty vicious and it could have been very ugly."

He added that the wind was blowing the fire toward multiple houses and establishments located on Sheppard Road, but the fire was contained and never got closer than a half-mile to the road. He said no evacuation was needed.

St. Joe Rural Fire Department Chief Randy Bessette said the response was great, with a number of departments and locals aiding in fighting the fires. He added that the wind changed directions twice which made it difficult to fight the fire, but because of the number of volunteers and firefighters, they were able to keep the fire managed.

"The amount of people that showed up and the amount of help that was there was amazing," he said.

Peterson said he wanted to thank Box Elder, Windhorse, Kremlin, Chinook, Havre, Bear Paw and St. Joe fire departments who assisted with fighting the fire; in addition to the Border Patrol, Hill County Sheriff's Office, Highway Patrol and Fish, Wildlife and Parks who helped control the scene. He added that he also wanted to thank Rock Solid, Havre Fire Department and numerous number of locals for assisting with collecting water to fight the fire.

"I can't express my thanks to everybody that helped out," he said.

He said a few locals and St. Joe firefighters are remaining on the scene overnight to assure the fire doesn't reignite.