Several homes lost in fast-moving Montana wildfire

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BOZEMAN - The Gallatin County Sheriff's Office says that several homes were lost in a wildland fire in northwestern Gallatin County on Monday night. So far, there are no reports of injuries.

While officials are confirming that buildings -- including some homes -- were lost to the fast-moving fire, there is no count on the number lost. The Sheriff's Office says a full assessment of the damage will come later.

Nearly every fire department in Gallatin County, plus the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation and the US Forest Service, responded to the fire call, which went out at about 4 p.m. on Monday.

Smoke could be seen across the valley in the late afternoon and flames lit the night as deputies raced to warn and evacuate homeowners in the rugged hills north of Three Forks and east of the Missouri River.

The fire is estimated to have burned about 1,500 acres and there's no word if it is completely out at this time.

Aircraft and one crew of smoke jumpers were called to the scene Monday night.

Sheriff's deputies set up a command center north of Clarkston Monday night and blocked access to the fire scene. That command post remains in place on Tuesday.

Deputies say the cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

We will update you when we get more information.