Grassfire Spreads Across Hundreds of Acres | Video

Chris Williams | 9/22/2012

What began as a small grass fire Friday afternoon has spread to more than 600 acres. The fire broke out about 30 miles south of Watford City, in Grassy Butte.

The fire has closed down the Maah Daah Hey Trail and Bennett Campground. About 80 people are working to contain the fire, along with a helicopter which is being used to drop water over the fire.

Prairie grasslands rangers say it`s still too early to tell how long it will take to stop the fire, but they say it could take about one week, depending on the weather.

"We`re hoping for low humidity, low temperatures tonight. I think it got down to 31 last night. We`re expecting 32 tonight or so. That certainly does help," said Jay Frederick, Dakota Prairie Grasslands district ranger.

The fire is close to some ranches. Rangers have taken precautionary measures to protect the ranches. There has not been any property damage as of now. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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