Winds whip up fire, threatening Big Sandy home

A fire tore across a field and threatened property northwest of Big Sandy Wednesday afternoon, after the remnants of a Tuesday night fire were brought back to life by high winds.

Robin Pearson said the fire burned land belonging to and threatened the home of his brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Gay Pearson, but thanks to neighbors and the Big Sandy Volunteer Fire Department, the fire was halted about 100 feet from his brother's house.

"I don't think they wanted it any closer, that's for sure," he said.

The brush fire began Tuesday evening during a brief thunderstorm that produced frequent lightning, Robin Pearson said. The fire department helped put out the fire that evening, and it was thought to be fully extinguished.

"I'm surprised there weren't more fires (caused by the storm) to tell you the truth," he said. "Thankfully that wasn't the case."

Sustained winds near 20 mph and gusts of around 50 mph revitalized the fire Wednesday afternoon, though, while no one was at the Pearson residence.

Ron and Gay Pearson were at their ranch near the Missouri River about 30 or 40 miles away, and Robin Pearson was out working even farther away from the house.

Fire Chief Larry Ophus said the Wednesday fire was called in at about 1 p.m., adding that the fire had gotten into a tree the night before, which helped it stay smoldering through the night. When the winds picked up again, it took off toward the Pearson residence.

Ophus said about six units responded to the fire, including members of Rocky Boy and Box Elder fire departments.

He also said that lightning fires are common during this time of year, but they rarely come back after being extinguished.

"This time, we weren't so lucky," he said.

Neighbor Traci Rodewald said she began calling the Pearsons when she saw thick smoke coming from their property as she arrived in Big Sandy after a trip to Havre.

The fire department was already on the scene when she arrived, Rodewald said, so after calling the family, she prepared to let the Pearsons' horses loose in case the fire got too close to them.

Robin Pearson praised the Big Sandy fire department, of which he is a member, saying it's one of the best volunteer departments in the state. He also praised the people of Big Sandy for being good neighbors, always willing to step in and help during fires or any other potential catastrophes.

Ron Pearson said he didn't lose much of anything to the fire because it stayed almost entirely in fields of stubble. He said he was surprised to see the fire had stopped when it reached his barley field and added that his crop is apparently still too green to ignite.

He also expressed gratitude for the hard work of the fire department and everyone in the community who is willing to help fight fires.

"I just got back from dropping off a couple 18-packs of beer for the guys at the fire department," he said.

National Weather Service has issued Red Flag Warnings for much of north-central and central Montana for much of this week, including today until 9 p.m.

According to the National Weather Service, "a Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly.  A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior."