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AP Photo MTBIL101 BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) A wildfire west of Columbus that forced the evacuation of 100 homes has been contained.

Residents who were evacuated were allowed to return home Friday evening as firefighters continued to battle the blaze.

The fire burning in timber, sagebrush and grass in steep terrain was reported Thursday afternoon and burned one cabin and a storage shed. By Friday evening it had scorched an estimated 1,000 acres and was 15 percent contained. Fire information officer Lee Schmelzer said Saturday afternoon the fire was 100 percent contained.

Fire officials said lack of sustained wind aided firefighter efforts.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-05-09 1454CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list