July 25, 2012, 9:35pm, Billings, Montana – 45engines staffed with firefighters are working the Skibstead Fire this evening,with more help on the way.

The fire, reported late this afternoon, started 8miles southeast of Columbus and quickly spread with as a result of gusty windsand hot, dry weather. The fire is estimated at 600-800 acres this evening and0% contained. 15-20 structures were threatened by the blaze.

Officials have not released the cause of theSkibstead Fire, other than to say it appears to be the result of a fire in asecondary structure that spread to surrounding timber.

Firefighters planned to work through the night,hoping cooler temperatures and increased humidity overnight would help with thesuppression effort. Tomorrow, they will be assisted by helicopters and airtankers, along with additional engines which have been ordered this evening.

Tomorrow’s weather forecast calls for coolertemperatures, but gusty winds are also predicted. No injuries have been reported.

REPOST (Courtesy of inciweb.org)