State wildfire crews are battling a 600-acre wildfire about five miles north of Happy's Inn that sparked on the afternoon of Aug. 20.

The Deer Creek Fire remained zero percent contained Friday morning, as wind continued to drive the blaze east through heavy slash and timber.  

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation assumed management over the fire, which is burning primarily on private timberlands owned by Green Diamond Resource Company. A crew of 25 personnel, six engines and three helicopters have been deployed to combat the blaze, and additional resources are en route, according to the state land agency. 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

A fire weather watch will be in effect from Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning as a cold front blows through the area. The drop in temperature may be accompanied by dry thunderstorms and erratic wind gusts that heighten fire behavior and increase the risk of additional sparks. 

The state land agency is requesting the public avoid the Pleasant Valley area while emergency personnel work to contain the Deer Creek Fire. 

Reporter Hailey Smalley can be reached at 406-758-4433 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.