UPDATE - (10:45 p.m.) Residents on Old Town Road were given a preliminary evacuation advisory notice from the Broadwater Sheriff's Department due to the significant fire growth to the southeast Saturday, according to fire managers.

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NBC Montana reported a fire burning north of Three Forks ballooned to 6,300 acres overnight, less than 24 hours after it was first reported Friday morning.

Officials with the Montana Department of Natural Resources said the Eustis Fire burned actively throughout the evening. It's burning in wheat stubble, grass, juniper, pine south of Toston, east of Hwy 287, west of Missouri River.

We're told no structures are currently threatened, but access for fire crews is difficult.

High tension power line is reportedly down within the fire perimeter and has cut off power to area irrigators. Crews are currently working to restore power.

The following is a press release with more information:

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Fire was initially reported at 10:30am on Friday, August 14th. Firefighters from Gallatin and Broadwater Counties responded for initial attack. Erratic winds resulting from passing thunderstorms caused rapid fire growth during the late afternoon and evening.

The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) County Assist Team, Incident Commander, David Hamilton, assumed command and management of this fire today. The team is implementing a full suppression strategy to put the fire out as safely and quickly as possible.

The fire is burning in an easterly direction, although direction of spread has been inconsistent and unpredictable due to erratic winds. The fire burned actively into the evening but fire behavior did diminish through the night. The primary fuels are wheat stubble and open grass intermixed with juniper and pine. Access is limited by steep, rocky terrain along the river.

Below is a release from the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office:

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is in direct contact with the Incident Commander from DNRC and the Clarkston Fire Department.

As a precaution and based on the extreme fire weather forecast Deputies are in the Clarkston area reviewing and updating plans for protecting the community.

As of 1:30 P.M. on Saturday no warnings or evacuations are in effect. Because fire is unpredictable and can move fast Sheriff Gootkin stated “We hope that all residents take advantage of the Gallatin County Alert Registration site”.

This site allows the public to have whatever phone they use be in a data base tied to an address or area. This allows emergency responders to notify residents in the quickest means of any emergency that may affect them.

To register your phone(s) go to https://www.readygallatin.com click on community resources and then public warning.

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