Personnel from Frenchtown Rural Fire, along with state and federal agencies are battling a five-acre blaze currently burning in the Petty Creek area west of Missoula.

Fire Information Officer Mel Holtz said when they arrived, the fire was about two acres in size. Their Facebook page contains a video of their firefighting efforts.

"Initial attack was with the forest service, and then DNRC crews arrived, as well," Holtz said. "They were able to supply a helicopter, as well as a single air tanker plane that made several retardant drops. Crews are making good progress on the fire at this time, and it's now estimated to be at about five acres."

Holtz said ground crews have been working rapidly to create a line around the fire.

"Ground crews are working on getting hand-line around the fire, and especially around the head of the fire to contain it," he said. "At this time there are no structures threatened. In fact, the nearest structure is over a mile and a half away, so we have a good buffer zone there."

Holtz said crews will stay on the fire overnight and get a clear look at it's true size on Thursday morning. He said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Frenchtown Rural Fire Information Officer Mel Holtz

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