Montana’s Labor Day Weekend Fires

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Critical fire conditions are forecast into the Labor Day weekend across of Montana as crews work to contain multiple wildfires burning on more than 100 square miles.

Evacuations remained in effect Friday for fires burning near Butte and Livingston, but were being eased in areas where the flames have died down.

Fire officials say the Pine Creek Fire south of Livingston has grown to almost 19 square miles and burned at least five homes.

In the Butte area, the 19 Mile fire has burned 6 square miles and burned at least eight structures.

South of Ashland, the Rough Fire that erupted Thursday was threatening a pair of houses after growing to 300 acres.

The National Weather Service is forecasting wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour through the weekend.