Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
We're working to fix a technical issue causing problems with our broadcasts. We'll have it resolved as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Wildfire, fire management and air quality news for western Montana and the Northern Rockies.

New Growth, Expanded Closures On Bitterroot National Forest Fire

A new road/area closure order was expanded Monday evening to include Lost Creek Horse Road from the junction with Lick Creek Road west to Twin Lakes, Schumaker Campground and Bear Creek Pass trailhead. The closures are for firefighter and public safety.
Bitterroot National Forest
A new road/area closure order was expanded Monday evening to include Lost Creek Horse Road from the junction with Lick Creek Road west to Twin Lakes, Schumaker Campground and Bear Creek Pass trailhead. The closures are for firefighter and public safety.

A wildfire burning in Bitterroot National Forest has grown to over 300 acres. Most of the activity on the 322 acre Observation Point Fire is reported on its northwest flank. It’s burning in extremely steep and rugged terrain.

Helicopters have dropped over 100,000 gallons of water on the fire. A mobile retardant station was to be set up near the Observation Point Fire on Tuesday. 117 firefighters and another helicopter are assigned to the incident.

The Observation Point Fire Incident Command Post is scheduled to move to the Darby High School.

A new road and area closure order was expanded Monday evening. It now includes Lost Horse Road from the junction with Lick Creek Road west to Twin Lakes, Schumaker Campground and Bear Creek Pass Trailhead. The closures are for firefighter and public safety.

Three new small fires, each lightning-caused and .1 acre in size, were reported by lookouts Monday night. Bitterroot National Forest fire crews are responding to all of them.

One is near Dowling Gulch on the Sula Ranger District, one is 1 mile northeast of Magruder at Scimitar, and another is at Cache Creek in the Nez Perce Pass area on the West Fork Ranger District.

Local fire danger will increase to high on Wednesday.

Weather conditions will remain hot and dry throughout the week with potential for scattered thunderstorms.

Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information
Related Content