The Sand Basin Fire, which has been relatively inactive for several weeks, began burning more actively Monday afternoon because of the winds, low humidity and relatively warm temperatures.

A lookout is monitoring the fire.

A cold front predicted Tuesday is expected to bring strong winds and dry air during the afternoon and early evening. Precipitation is not expected before Wednesday.

The Sand Basin Fire was started by lightning in the Sapphire Mountains Wilderness Study Area, 23 miles southeast of Philipsburg, MT on Aug. 22.

The Anaconda Job Corps crew finished a contingency line over the weekend near Mount Emerine and were released on Sunday, August 30.