Firefighting efforts wrap up near Lakeside

Fire suppression crews assigned to the Bierney Creek Fire west of Lakeside declared it fully contained Wednesday afternoon, but are asking the public to remain wary of lingering hazards throughout the burn area.

First reported Aug. 22, the wildland fire quickly grew to threaten an estimated 75 structures in the residential wooded hillside about two miles from Lakeside.

Multiple planes and helicopters, along with state, local and federal firefighters quickly responded to hold the fire to about 60 acres. No structures were lost.

Most resources have been taken off the fire, and a five-person crew remaining at the site is scheduled to leave today.

In a Thursday press release, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation fire education specialist Ali Ulwelling noted that still-smoldering fuel, stump holes, falling snags and trees, hot ash pits and scattered embers may still be present in the burn area.

Fire officials are aware of still-smoking pockets of fuel, but do not consider them threats to the established containment lines.

The fire is still under investigation, although investigators have determined it was human-caused.

Ulwelling estimated it has cost $900,000 to fight the fire.