River Road East Fire
A new wildfire burning on the Plains Ranger District and being pushed by powerful winds is prompting evacuations this evening in Sanders County. The county Sheriff’s Department says the community of Paradise and surrounding areas are being evacuated or being placed on pre-evacuation status. A 6 p.m. facebook post says "calls are being made to alert residents and or Deputies and Officers arriving at your door. If you live in the area prepare for either."
All evacuees are being asked to meet at the fairgrounds in Plains at 30 River Road.
Highway 200 is closed from Plains to Highway 135 due to the fire activity.
A Lolo National Forest spokesperson tells MTPR the new fire, called the River Road East fire, started on private property earlier this afternoon.
Montana Red Cross is opening a shelter at the Church on the Move, 300 Clayton St., in Plains.
East Fork Fire
The Flathead County Sheriff Friday afternoon issued a new mandatory evacuation order for the 3,000 acre East Fork Fire burning approximately 12 miles outside of Trego, MT. Fire conditions today deteriorated with low humidity and high winds.
The mandatory evacuation applies to residents and visitors north of mile marker 146 on Highway 93 to mile marker 157.9, along the Lincoln/Flathead County line. The order also applies to residents of Good Creek Road and those who access Good Creek west to the Lincoln County line.
Pre-evacuation notices issued August 17 are still in effect, including Olney.
The American Red Cross has established a shelter in Columbia Falls. They ask that you please call the Red Cross before arriving at the shelter. 1-800-733-2767.
