(UPDATE, 4:51 p.m.) The Sheriff's Office says that all homes on Golden Valley Loop are being evacuated.
They also said that Vaughn Fire Command has requested heavy aircraft from the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation to assist with firefighting efforts..
(UPDATE, 3:50 p.m.) The Cascade County Sheriff's Office released the following message:
Due to the fire and the eastbound winds, Deputies are evacuating homes near Vineyard Rd. We just sent a Code Red Alert for a pre-evacuation of Cove Lane. The fire is gaining speed and is headed toward Bootlegger. Please take precautions and do not put yourself at risk to protect your property.
We will update you as we get more information.
(UPDATE, 3:37 p.m.) The fire has burned at least 100 aces at this point.
The fire is between a half-mile and one mile away from some homes on Thunder Road; fire trucks have been arranged to help protect the homes if the fire gets closer.
(1st Report, 3:13 p.m.) Emergency crews are fighting a wildland fire several miles northwest of Great Falls.
The fire was reported at about 1:15 p.m. on Monday.
It is burning a few miles outside of Great Falls, west of Vinyard Road and north of Stuckey Road.
FIrefighters from several agencies have responded, including Vaughn, Black Eagle, and Ulm.
There is no word yet on the cause or size of the fire.
We have a reporter at the scene and will update you as we get more information.
