Forecast of Rain Heartens Firefighters

Residents and firefighters across the fire-stricken West crossed their fingers and hoped for Labor Day weekend weather that most people would pray against: rain. Forecasters gave them hope with expectations of rain and cooler temperatures across the northern Rockies through Monday. “This weekend will mark the first time since spring that you’ll be able to feel a dramatic change in the weather outside,” said Henry Blake of the National Weather Service in Boise, Idaho. “It will be cooler, and it will probably be wet. This two-pronged attack should definitely help fight the fires.” But with 77 large fires burning 1.6 million acres, fire officials say it will take more than just a sprinkle. In Washington, White House spokesman Joe Lockhart said an additional 500 Marines from Camp LeJeune, N.C., will go to Idaho today.