Kootenai Fire

Efforts Near the End on Eureka Fire

By Scott Poniewaz, 8-10-05

The crews on the Camp 32 fire, located 9 miles southwest of Eureka, Mont., have begun to make substantial progress with some fortunate weather. Fire Information Officer Chris Wyatt said, “The crews are getting a handle on it. We also had some rain here this morning.�

The fire is at 900 acres, with just 30 percent contained, but the crews are close to securing it, which will allow evacuees to return by 8 p.m. Wednesday. Fire officials expect to have the blaze 100 percent contained by Thursday night.

The fight is a combination of air and ground efforts with more crews in to help out today. There are three helicopters assisting the suppression efforts and the total number of personnel staffed on the fire is 271. “With the temperatures down and the humidity up, a lot of progress should be made today,� Wyatt said.

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