Evacuations lifted for fire burning south of Billings

BILLINGS — Authorities have lifted evacuation orders and reopened roads as crews contained a fire south of Billings that destroyed one home.

The fire began Friday afternoon and quickly burned more than 2 square miles. The Billings Gazettereports it was 90 percent contained by Sunday.

Yellowstone County emergency services director Brad Shoemaker says crews are mostly mopping up and seeking out hot spots on and within the fire’s perimeter.

About 18 residents in the Duck Creek area had been told to leave their homes. They were allowed back by 6 p.m. Sunday.

Susan Dickson returned home to find her deck charred and windows blown out. But her home had been saved.

Authorities captured a drone that had hampered firefighting efforts.