HAMILTON, Mont. (AP) — A mostly quiet day on a western Montana wildfire allowed firefighters to advance containment and make it safe for the residents of about 400 homes to return to the area.

The Roaring Lion Fire, which started southwest of Hamilton on Sunday, has burned just over 12 square miles and 14 homes. It was 15 percent contained on Friday morning.

The residents of more than 600 homes had been evacuated, but on Thursday residents of 400 homes were told they could return.

Fire crews planned Friday to mop up fire line and conduct some burnouts to secure barriers to the fire's expansion. Crews are also working around homes to cool down any hot spots that could re-ignite.

However, thunderstorms and wind are possible Friday afternoon, which could increase fire behavior.

 

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