Updated 5:20 p.m. In addition to the 2,000 acre Reynolds Creek fire in Glacier National Park, at least two other wildfires are burning in western Montana, including the 2,500 acre Cabin Gulch fire on the Helena National Forest, and the 163 acre Rock Point fire on the Bitterroot National Forest.
Reynolds Creek Fire - Updated 3:25 p.m.
The Reynolds Creek fire was discovered Tuesday approximately six miles from the Logan Pass Visitor Center in Glacier National Park. The fire, burning in heavy timber with "extreme spread potential," grew to 2,000 acres by Wednesday morning, forcing the closure of Going-to-the-Sun Road from St. Mary to Big Bend. St. Outside the park, a mandatory evacuation order has been issued for the west shore of lower St. Mary Lake, according to the Glacier County Sheriff's department. People on the lake's east side are being told to prepare for possible evacuation.Mary Campground and Rising Sun Campground have been closed and evacuated. The St. Mary Visitor Center has been closed for use as a fire staging area. Firefighters are working the blaze and preparing for "red flag" conditions predicted to bring high temperatures, high winds, and low humidity to the area Wednesday afternoon. An information phone line for the Reynolds Creek Fire has been established at 406-732-7791.
Cabin Gulch Fire - Audio update 5:20 p.m.
The Cabin Gulch Fire is actively burning in grass and heavy timber on the Helena National Forest. The 2,500 acre fire is threatening structures, and evacuation warnings are in-place between Cabin Gulch Road and Skidway campground. An area closure is in effect for the Deep Creek Canyon/CabinGulch area, including all USFS lands and roads South of Mount Edith and North of Highway 12. Firefighters are working to suppress the fire, and aircraft are dropping water and retardant. A community meeting will be held at the Townsend School multipurpose room tonight at 6:00 p.m.
Cabin Gulch Fire location:
Rock Point Fire
The lightning-caused Rock Point Fire, has burned 120 acres on the Idaho side of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness since being detected July 17. The fire is burning subalpine fir in steep, rugged terrain five miles from Bear Creek Pass. The location makes it challenging for firefighters to access. A helicopter has been dropping water on the fire and will fly equipment in for fire crews. The fire hasn't prompted any closures, and no structures are currently threatened. Smoke from the fire may impact the Lake Como and Lost Horse areas.
You can find more Montana wildfire news and information here.
