It’s been a busy day for firefighters in central and western Montana today. The fire burning on the east side of Glacier National Park is now estimated at 2,000 acres, and a mandatory evacuation order has been issued 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. Going-to-the-Sun road remains closed from St. Mary to the Big Bend on the west side. Most of Glacier National Park is open however.
East of Townsend, the Cabin Gulch Fire has burned an estimated at 2,500 acres and is threatening structures. Evacuation warnings are in-place between Cabin Gulch Road and Skidway campground.
In the Bitterroot mountains, The lightning-caused Rock Point Fire, has burned 120 acres on the Idaho side of the Selway-Bitterroot wilderness. It’s burning in steep, that 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.
The Cabin Gulch Fire continues to burn outside of Helena, growing to 2,500 acres today. Dozens of residents were evacuated Tuesday night.
Nine environmental conservation groups have joined the surge of states and businesses suing the federal government over a new water regulation. Attorneys from Stanford University and Lewis and Clark Law School filed the non-profit organizations' challenge Wednesday in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The groups claim the rule from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers removes safeguards for water used for drinking, recreation, fisheries and wildlife.
Gov. Steve Bullock met with the U-S Secretary of Health and Human Services in Washington, DC today to talk about the state’s plan to expand Medicaid. That plan recently entered a public-comment period.
A suspended license is grounding Robbie Knievel's jump over 26 cars to celebrate his newfound sobriety following a fourth DUI arrest.
Montana officials say a $59 million dam and fish bypass proposed on Montana's Yellowstone River offers the best chance to save an endangered fish population that's long been blocked from its spawning grounds.