HELENA - If you thought this weekend's smoke and air quality were bad, exactly eight years ago, Montana was facing an apocalyptic wildfire situation, one of the worst on record.

It was the most devastating season since 1910, and not only were fires causing extensive damage, but terrible air quality threatened public safety as well.

Watch to learn more: Weather Wise: The 2017 Montana wildfire season

Two firefighters lost their lives that season, with a total of 2,420 fires here in Montana. A total of 141 structures burned and firefighting costs reached $400 million.

In the spring of that year, Montana plunged into a record drought that ultimately produced conditions for a historic fire season.

It was just after Labor Day weekend that year when several days of heat and high winds cre

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