Local Departments Empty Halls To Fight McCabe Blaze

Roosevelt County Fire Warden Mike Olson told the Community News that area fire halls emptied twice to fight fires in McCabe Aug. 4 and 8. Sparks from a combine plus tinder dry conditions started a fire on farmland near McCabe Wednesday, August 4. Departments from Bainville, Culbertson and Froid contained the blaze with 487 acres burned.

On Sunday, August 8, all three departments returned to the site to combat a rekindle, which eventually burned another 622 acres. “When the wind changed,” said Olson, “embers from some cottonwood trees likely rekindled the fire.”

McCabe resident Beth Hekkel said it was an all-out effort from area crews. “The little town of Mc-Cabe’s homeowners and those near McCabe are grateful that no one was hurt and no one lost homes,” said Hekkel.

Olson said local firefighters are working at full capacity, with multiple departments and rural Department of Natural Resources and Conservation crews responding to assist at local incidents. He said community members should call to report signs of fire immediately. Roosevelt County dispatch can be reached at 406-653-6216.