Alabama Fire Crews Battle Montana Wildfires HELENA, MO (APR - Alabama Public Radio ) - Several large wildfires blazing Montana have forced the governor to declare a state of emergency. Officials say an 18,000 acre blaze has crept to within a mile of some of the 200 homes that have been evacuated. They say the focus is on "structure protection."

20 wildland firefighters from the Alabama Forestry Commission are in Montana. The Alabama crew is based in the Flathead National Forest and will be on assignment for about 14 days before returning to the state.

The fires started July 23rd.

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