Update 4:40 p.m. The Bobcat fire in Musselshell County has grown to 12,000 acres Thursday afternoon, and an evacuation has been ordered for the Hidden Springs subdivision, according to emergency management officials.
Strong winds have continued to make the fire hard to contain, and the Musselshell County Department of Emergency Services reported on its Facebook page that three divisions are operating with multiple air resources.
South Fattig Creek Road has been limited to emergency traffic only.
Do not call dispatch. Check back for updates.
Evacuation orders remain in place Thursday for Musselshell County residents affected by a wildfire.
According to a Musselshell County DES Facebook post, the fires grew overnight and crews transitioned to structure protection. The post stated evacuation orders issued Wednesday remain in place.
"We will have alot of resources coming into the area today and tomorrow to assist us with this fire," the post states. "We ask that you please avoid the area and yield the right of way to emergency vehicles. Please do not call dispatch for information.We will continue to update as new information comes in this morning."
Several fires pushed by high winds broke out in the area Wednesday afternoon, forcing officials to issue evacuation orders. The two main fires were reported on Bobcat Lane and off High 5 Road in Melstone.
RELATED: Evacuations ordered in Musselshell County for wildfires
Officials provided this update shortly after 8 a.m.:
Update: Just received some information from the front line. Fire is estimated at 3800 acres. Multiple resources are being sent to our area to help with containment. Hwy 87 south to Billings is open but visibility is approximately 1/8 mile in that fire area. Please use your headlights when traveling in this area. Red Cross shelter is still set up at the community center and the Knights of Columbus and crew are preparing meals. No word yet on structures lost.
Q2 Chief Photographer Paul Humphrey captured the scene on Wednesday in this raw video:
