Environmental groups have been arguing in California courts that developers are not fully considering the risks of wildfire and choked evacuation routes when they plan their housing developments near fire-prone areas.

And they've been winning.

The lawsuits center on housing at the edge of forests and brush, called the wildland-urban interface.

Experts say such litigation could become more common.

But builders say the concern about evacuation routes is a cover for anti-sprawl activists.

LOOK: Crater Ridge Fire Burning In Wyoming

The Crater Ridge fire ignited in the Bighorn National Forest in mid-July. Since then, it has grown to more than 6,000 acres in size. As of August 30, the fire is 52% contained.

Wyoming Fire Crews Battle Wildfires

Wildland firefighting crews in Wyoming were busy throughout the weekend. Fires have popped up in the Bighorn and Bridger-Teton National Forest along with Campbell County

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