‘Medicine Man Fire’ Breaks Out on Rims North of Laurel

Flames started engulfing the rimrocks north of Lipp Road Thursday evening. Yellowstone County Sheriff Lt. Kent O'Donnell says the fire burning north of Laurel and West of Billings, Montana forced some "pre-evacuation notices" to be issued.

Here's the latest info available shortly before noon Friday:

The Medicine Man Fire was reported to the Billings Communications Center on Thursday evening at approximately 7:30 pm.  Molt Fire was first to respond and quickly requested All County Mutual Aid.  Currently crews are working on building lines and containment.  Our primary concern is the residences along Buffalo Trail, western side of the fire.  No evacuations have been issued.  Last night “Pre-evacuation notice” was sent out as a precaution.  Today  If conditions and suppressions efforts remain on track our outlook will be very favorable.  Currently the total fire area is estimated at 450 acres, with approximately 50% containment.  Resources are: 18 Type 6 engines, 3 Water Tenders, 2 Helicopters, 1 grader,  approximately personnel numbers are 70.  Crews are being rotated out allowing for maintenance and rest as some had been on scene all night.  Molt Fire Department is in command with the assistance of DNRC, Billings Fire, Billings Airport Fire/Rescue, Blue Creek, Laurel, Broadview, Worden, Lockwood, Roberts, Fromberg, Red Lodge, Park City, Columbus, US Forest Service.  Our concern is the possibility of high temperatures  and probability of gusty winds.  We request the public look to media for current status and updates and not drive thru the area.  This only hampers equipment movement and creates the risk of more fires along roadways.