New Fires Ignite in South West Montana, Prompt Evacuations

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Officials say new fires ignited in southern Montana as lightning moved through the area, including one that forced people from about 30 homes near Livingston.

The cause of the 1½-square-mile fire northeast of Livingston that began Tuesday night has not yet been officially determined but officials suspect it was caused by lightning.

The fire was mostly contained Wednesday and residents were allowed to return home.

Two new fires that started in the Bitterroot National Forest Tuesday are less than an acre, and fire crews were able to extinguish a third.

In southeastern Montana, officials reported that the 389-square-mile Ash Creek has been completely contained, though red-flag weather conditions moved into the area Wednesday.