A small number of homes are threatened by the wildfire
In this photo taken Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018, a fire burns next to Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park in northwest Montana. The fire, which was started by lightning on Saturday night, has forced the evacuation of the Lake McDonald Lodge and a nearby campground. (Chris Peterson/Hungry Horse News via AP)
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana authorities are warning residents they may have to leave their homes because of a fire burning near the southern border of Glacier National Park.
The Flathead County Office of Emergency Services says Wednesday’s evacuation warning affects a small number of homes threatened by the fire burning about 2 miles (5 kilometers) from the community of Essex.
It wasn’t immediately clear how many homes are threatened in that area between mile marker 176 and mile marker 179 of U.S. Highway 2.
Officials say the highway is still open, but drivers are being asked to slow down due to smoke and emergency vehicles in the area.
The lightning-caused fire is burning in the Flathead National Forest and is separate from the blaze that prompted evacuations about 40 miles (64 kilometers) away around Lake McDonald.
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