What was a 50-acre wildfire at Monticello at 4:50 p.m. Thursday had grown to about 150 acres just an hour later.

At 4:50 p.m., Temple Harrison of the Mississippi Forestry Commission said multiple volunteer fire departments, four MFC bulldozer units, and two overhead airplane units were working to extinguish the Lawrence County fire, and making “pretty good progress.”

Harrison said it looks to be an accidental wildfire, burning on both sides of Hwy. 27 north of Hwy. 84. Multiple structures are still in danger, she said.

One hour later, Monticello Fire Department released the following statement:

“Monticello FD and multiple other departments of Lawrence County Fire Service are on scene with a major brush fire at Highway 27, Highway 84 and Nola Road. We currently have Highway 27 shut down between Highway 84 and N. A. Sandifer Highway. We have the Mississippi Forestry Commission on scene with us as well as departments from neighboring counties responding with trucks and manpower as well. We are monitoring along the south side of Highway 84 at this time for spot fires. At this point the fire is estimated to have burned approximately 150 acres and is unfortunately still growing. The cause of the fire has not been determined at this time. Please keep these firemen and the others assisting in your prayers as we continue to battle this blaze and continue to avoid the area as well.”