Missoula Rural - DNRC - Respond to Big Flat Area Grass Fire

Crews from Missoula Rural Fire and the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation are responding to a grass fire on Saddleback in the Big Flat area.

Assistant Fire Chief Brent Christofferson said the original call came in just before noon on Friday.

"When the units were responding they could see smoke not far from the station, so they knew they had a working incident," Christofferson said. "When they got on scene they found a fire burning in high grass that was actually threatening one structure. It came to within about 60 yards of the structure. Firefighters were able to get a line around the fire and they're still on scene. We have a wet line around the fire and we're reinforcing that line with hand crews."

DNRC crews are also working the fire, which was burning in very dry high grass. It is currently unknown how the fire started, but it could possibly have been a controlled burn. Christofferson reminds residents that controlled burning is currently closed in Missoula County as fire danger is high and conditions are deteriorating by the day due to the lack of rainfall and wind. If any additional information is needed, please call MRFD Headquarters Station #1 at 549-6172.

While the fire was being fought, Christofferson said crews were pulled off the scene to respond to a rope rescue situation up Marshall Canyon. KGVO News will have details on that situation as they become available.