Wildfire Breaks Out Eight Miles South of Malta

The Malta Volunteer Fire Department received a call at 12:35 p.m. Wednesday, July 21, for a field fire approximately eight miles south of Malta.

Some of the landowners affected by the fire were Esther Ruud, Scott Waters, Brent Waters, and Jamie and Jason Ulrich.

Jamie Ulrich said, "There was a small flare-up on Friday and another one on Sunday. We just really need a nice rain shower to put it out for good. We are so grateful for everyone that showed up to help put out the fire and those that came over to help move cows."

Many area fire departments, local farmers, and ranchers were on hand right away to aid in the fight.

Malta Fire Chief Josh Newman said, "A big thanks to everyone who helped locally. Numerous farmers, ranchers, and locals. Also thanks to the following who made the trip out: Glasgow Long Run, Fish and Wildlife (Bowdoin), Fort Belknap, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Big Flat Electric, Phillips County Sheriff's Office, and the Phillips County Road Crew. And to any of those that I may have missed, thank you. It takes all of us to protect what we have."

The above firefighters fought the blaze for about five hours to get it contained and had it out completely in six.

When all was said and done, the fire consumed approximately 1,340 acres.