SHELBY — Authorities say firefighters expect to contain a grass fire that spread quickly outside of Browning.
Blackfeet Fire Management Officer Chris Trombley told KSEN-AM that the fire grew from 30 acres to more than 300 acres within an hour of it being called in Tuesday afternoon.
Trombley says the rapid spread was fueled by tall grass, low humidity and wind gusts. The wind later shifted and allowed firefighters to contain half of the blaze by midafternoon.
He says he expected to have the fire under control by Tuesday evening.
The fire is believed to be caused by workers cutting hay. It is on farmland about 5 miles north of Browning, and no buildings were threatened.
The Great Falls Tribune reports 77 firefighters and other personnel responded.
This story will be updated when more information becomes available.