Pine Creek Fire Calms

Scores of residents remain evacuated from Pine Creek, Montana and nearby areas.  However, after more accurate measurements, fire officials have reduced the estimated size of the Pine Creek Fire in Paradise Valley, Montana to 7800 acres – about 4200 acres smaller than estimated Friday.    Fire officials continue to meet with residents of those communities affected by the fires to inform them of current strategies and concerns.  Some residents have been escorted back to their homes to check on them, tend to livestock left behind and gather necessities.  Several thunderstorms over the weekend helped cool the fire some and containment is now estimated to be about 40%.  Officials report there are approximately 396 firefighters working the fire assisted by 19 fire engines, 5 water tenders, three bulldozers and five helicopters.  Structural losses have been held to the original five residences and several outbuildings.  As yet, a cause of the fire has not been determined.