Countryman Creek wildfire ruled human-caused, unintentional

The Sept. 19 wildfire that destroyed two homes and three outbuildings in the Countryman Creek Road subdivision has been ruled human-caused and unintentional.
Columbus Fire Rescue Chief Rich Cowger said Wednesday morning the exact cause is unknown due to a lack of conclusive evidence. However, Cowger said it is believed to have been started by an ATV "but it cannot be pointed to as the exact cause nor can it be excluded."
Both homes lost were occupied, said Cowger. A gofundme site has been set up for one of the families. To help that family go to https://www.gofundme.com/xa4k9awy
The fast moving, wind-driven fire was reported through a 911 call at 12:38 p.m. regarding a fire near Arrowhead Ridge Road, approximately five miles southwest of Columbus. The homes, and all the contents therein, were destroyed. Eighty homes were evacuated from Clark Drive to Countryman Creek Road, east all the way to Highway 78 and north to the river, and approximately 650 acres burned in what is being called the Arrowhead Pass Fire.
Columbus, Park City, Nye and Absarokee fire departments responded, as did Carbon County, Sweet Grass counties, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and the U.S. Forest Service. Two helicopters and two heavy air tankers were also used.
The Stillwater County Sheriff’s Office, the Columbus Police Department, county Disaster Emergency Services and the Stillwater County Road & Bridge department also worked the scene.