Rain helps Montana crews fight wildfires

COLUMBUS, Mont. – Cooler weather and rain helped firefighters make gains on two eastern Montana wildfires.

Crews working the Stump Gulch Fire near Columbus on Monday built fire lines and mopped up hot spots after the fire burned an estimated 15 square miles and forced the temporary evacuation of eight homes.

Officials say some of the 197 personnel battling the blaze may be released from the fire within the next two days if conditions remain favorable.

Meanwhile, some personnel already have been released from the Raven Rat Patch Fire, which burned about 45 square miles north of Winnett including portions of the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge south.