GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) — Authorities are investigating whether a fire that burned more than a square mile of farmland north of Great Falls was arson.

Vaughn Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jason McAllister tells the Great Falls Tribune (http://gftrib.com/29ZAx7g) that the fire is suspicious and under investigation.

The fire was reported Tuesday afternoon. Gusting wind spread it quickly through wheat and hay fields before it was contained that night.

Fire officials say crews stopped the blaze before it could damage two nearby homes.

 

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