Drought-like conditions fuel fires in Montana, California

Firefighters hope an approaching cold front quells the hot, dry and windy conditions that have hampered their efforts to contain a wildfire burning through Montana's Glacier National Park.

A cold front is heading toward the Northern Rocky Mountains this weekend, bringing cooler temperatures, rain and possibly snow to the higher elevations in Glacier.

The wildfire is one of several that continue to be fueled by drought-like conditions in the West:

CALIFORNIA'S NAPA VALLEY

Firefighters gained more ground against a wildfire east of Napa Valley wine country, and people were allowed to return to evacuated areas.

Residents of about 50 homes were allowed to return Friday, and an evacuation order covering another 150 homes was lifted Saturday, according to the state fire agency.

All road closures were also lifted. Some businesses owners say they didn't see much effect, with wine sales and boat rentals continuing at Lake Berryessa.

The fire that broke out Wednesday has burned about 10 1/2 square miles in countryside near the lake. The blaze was 47 percent contained Saturday.

LAKE TAHOE AREA

Crews battling a blaze in the Sierra Nevada reopened one lane of U.S. Route 50, which links Sacramento and Reno. The California Highway Patrol was escorting traffic through the area.

The blaze broke out Thursday near South Lake Tahoe and has charred more than 200 acres in heavy timber along steep canyon walls.

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