Wildfires in Montana continue to burn by Jo Farrow
More than 200 homes in western Montana were evacuated yesterday as a wildfire that began on Friday continued to burn. Authorities removed fire fighters from the area, fearing for their safety after winds of up to 50kph strengthened the blaze. State governors have decided to let the fire, which has charred nearly 21 square kilometers of land, run its course, stating that the fire is, “in the hands of God right now.”
The wildfire season began earlier than usual this year, with Montana already suffering from dozens of blazes right across the state. To the north of Helena in the west, one of the state’s largest wildfires is still burning, and is expected to spread further than the 150 square kilometers it is currently covering.
Much of western America has been in the midst of a severe drought over the last few months which has seen an increase in the number and severity of wildfires. With numerous fires still burning across Montana, fire fighters have a real battle on their hands to stop the fires spreading into nearby residential areas.
