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Horseshoe Fire update: Crews continue to work on hot spots, mop-up

Posted at 5:44 PM, Sep 13, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-13 23:58:02-04

CLARKSTON – Officials have confirmed 3 homes have been lost to the Horseshoe Fire which started on Monday, Sept 10. Additionally, 2 secondary buildings and 7 other buildings were lost to the flames and Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is looking into other unidentified structures.

Meanwhile, crews continue to work on the firelines.

“The fire is not moving or progressing it’s just those hot spots that are smoldering,” said David Hamilton, Incident Commander for the County Assist Team leading the charge at the scene.

The Fire acreage has been downsized to 1,349 acres after what crews say was a more accurate measurement. The fire is at 18 percent containment on its fourth day with the cause still under investigation.

Officials say that approximately 40 structures were threatened in the early hours of the fire, but efforts of homeowners, local volunteer firefighters, and the DNRC paid off and many of the buildings were saved.

At this time, the types of buildings have not been determined.

Hamilton says the recent rain has helped but he expects crews to remain through the weekend to ensure there are no flare-ups.

“With what little bit of rain we had, just a little bit of wind will make it dry right back out,” said Hamilton.

The Red Cross is available to assist people who have lost their homes or other property. The Fire Command Center is located on Clarkston Road.

The Horseshoe Fire continues to burn near Clarkston but is now 18 percent contained and officials say the recent cooler, wetter weather has been helpful in efforts to fight the blaze.

Reporting by Mallory Peebles for MTN News