Blaine County lightning strike fire quickly contained

A fire that started in southwestern Blaine County Tuesday has been contained to 12 acres, said Chinook Volunteer Fire Department Chief Kraig Hansen, who also serves as the Blaine County fire warden.

The Black Coulee fire grew from a hot spot created by a lightning strike that occurred sometime during the storm that blew through the area Sunday, he said.

Blaine County and Bureau of Land Management responded with crews, trucks and equipment including a helicopter, he added.

The fire is 100 percent contained, but being monitored for any remaining hot spots, Hansen said this morning.