ROSEBUD COUNTY, Mont. (NMB) – Containment on the largest fire in the state is continuing to increase.
As of Thursday night, the Richard Spring fire in Rosebud County remained at just under 171,000 acres with containment up to 82 percent.
The nearby Lame Deer Fire is estimated at just over 5,400 acres with containment up to 85 percent.
Fire managers are coordinating with landowners to identify and plan for suppression repair. Firefighters are continuing to secure and mop up containment lines.
Highway 212 has reopened to through traffic, but travelers should expect reduced speeds at times and should watch out for livestock.
Mandatory evacuation orders for the towns of Lame Deer and Ashland were rescindedlast weekend due to progress suppressing the fires, which were started by burning coal seams.
12 secondary structures have been destroyed as a result of the fires.
