Crews are continuing to fight a 13 square-mile grass fire north of Manhattan that’s threatening about 50 homes.
The fire in the Horseshoe Hills was reported around noon yesterday. Officials say it was human caused and is under investigation.
Gallatin County Fire Marshal Kerry O’Connell says firefighting conditions today are much better than during yesterday’s high winds. She says four state helicopters have been dropping water on the fire today, and a bulldozer line has been established on its northern flank.
"We’re strengthening that by burning any unburned fuels between the ‘dozer line and the fire itself."
O’Connell says crews have been able to enhance protection for homes in the area.
According to the AP, by Monday afternoon, fire crews made progress and contained about 15 percent of the fire.
