MISSOULA — Some residents near the fires outside Lolo are moving back into their homes but officials say the blazes are likely to keep burning until “season-ending” weather comes.
Fire information officers Tom Kempton and Dellora Gauger say moisture will make the difference in the Lolo Creek and Gold Pan complexes burning in Montana and Idaho.
Cooler weather is forecast for next weekend, but there is no guarantee that a big rain or cold weather is imminent.
The Missoulian reports residents west of Lolo are moving back and checking damage to their properties. U.S. Highway 12 has reopened after being closed last week.
The Lolo complex was 47 percent contained Monday after burning more than 17 square miles.
In the Bitterroot National Forest, the Gold Pan Complex is zero percent contained.