CHOTEAU, Mont. (AP) - A new study says protecting homes from forest fires in Montana is costing the state millions of dollars extra, and it's only going to get more expensive as more residents settle on large rural lots.

Headwaters Economics, a nonprofit research group in Bozeman, completed the study for the Legislature's Fire Suppression Interim Committee.

At a committee meeting in Choteau, Patty Gude of Headwaters told lawmakers that subdivisions being approved today in the "wildland-urban interface" will increase the expense of firefighting for years to come.

The report says a growing economy and "Big Sky" appeal have contributed to rapid population growth in rural areas, especially in western Montana.

Gude told the panel Wednesday that "smarter land-use policies" would reduce the costs of protecting those homes from fire.