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Philipsburg-area Fire Burns 5 Homes, 3 Buildings

By Beacon Staff

BUTTE – U.S. Forest Service officials say the fire south of Philipsburg that destroyed five houses and three outbuildings may have been caused when a tree fell on a power line.

The Rumsey Gulch Fire has burned about 350 acres about four miles southwest of Philipsburg. It was reported around 6:30 p.m. Monday.

Forest Service spokeswoman Peri Suenram tells The Montana Standard the cause of the fire remains under investigation, but initial indications are that it may have started when a tree fell on a power line. Heavy winds were blowing Monday evening and the Granite County sheriff’s office evacuated 20 seasonal and year-round residences as the fire grew.

The fire was 20 percent contained Tuesday evening and the evacuation order was lifted.