Montana Morning State News Headlines for Thursday, August 1

Missoula County Commissioners issued an emergency declaration to enable authorities to act quickly in case of a major fire.

Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton heaped praise on the volunteer firefighters who stood in the gap to protect homes from fires in the area.

Montana State Insurance Commissioner Matt Rosendale offers advice to homeowners in the wildland urban interface to make sure their properties are properly insured against fire.

Sunny and very hot in western Montana today, with highs in the mid to upper 90's.