New Management Teams Battling Richard Spring and Lame Deer Fires

A new fire has started not far from a much bigger one on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation in Montana and new crews have arrived to deal with both of them.

As of 1:05pm on Thursday, August 12th, the Richard Spring Fire near Ashland has burned more than 165,000 acres of land with zero containment.

Not far away is the Lame Deer Fire, west of Lame Deer.

That one has burned more than 3,800 acres of land and is threatening the town.

Both towns are under evacuation orders along with Muddy Cluster and Rosebud Cut Access.

Pre-evacuation notices are in effect for Rosebud Creek between Greenleaf Creek and Cherry Creek.

About 12-18 secondary structures have been lost.

US Highway 212 is closed to all non-residents, while Montana State Highway 39 is open, but that could change depending on conditions.

Everyone is asked not to travel near the fire area unless absolutely necessary, and be aware of loose livestock in the area.

Some fences have been cut, in order to help livestock move away from the area.

Evacuation centers have been set up in Busby, Crow Agency and Broadus.

The Colstrip Saddle Club is taking in horses.

A Northern Rockies Incident Management team has assumed command of the fire.