Fire crews from Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and local fire departments worked to contain a wildfire burning near some ranches and an addiction treatment center west of Kalispell.

According to DCNR’s Ernie Nace, the Hubbart Dam Fire grew to 120 acres by late Tuesday night and crews worked through the night and all day Wednesday. It is located about 12 miles southwest of Marion.

“The dozers were working all night to try and contain it,” Nace said. “The crews were working to establish containment lines, but were a bit short on resources and we were trying to keep it from threatening structures 2 miles away.”

Helicopters dropped water on the edges of the fire as it burned just west of Flathead Farms and another ranch. There were also other private residences located in the general area. The Wilderness Treatment Center was located west of the blaze and more than a few miles away.

Nace also reported the fire has isolated jackpots of fuel and is still burning actively in the interior.

“The fire is producing heavy smoke and fire crews will be continuing to mop up hot spots and establish containment for several days. The forward rate of spread has been stopped, however, we are concerned about upcoming winds, so crews will be actively monitoring control lines,” Nace said. “Approximately 35 personnel are currently working the fire. We ask the public to please stay out of the area and give fire personnel space to do their jobs.”

The fire was determined to be caused by a person, but no specifics were available.

ALSO, ANOTHER blaze burned 4 miles west of Elmo. The 471-acre grass fire began Tuesday night, according to information from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire.

Officials said the fire was located in Deep Draw along Montana 28.

No evacuation notices or road closures were issued, and no structures were threatened. Tribal officials said several local rural fire departments assisted in putting the fire out.