Update 4:00 p.m. - Personnel working the Park Creek Fire say they have a good handle on the situation.
Four helicopters, multiple engines, and one Type II 20-person crew responded. Helicopters made regular drops throughout the day as the fire burned in down and standing timber.
“We are continuing to work to fully suppress this fire, with the assistance of our cooperators, this afternoon,” said Helena District Ranger Kathy Bushnell. “So far, the fire behavior has moderated which has aided efforts on the ground.”
Due to the continued fire operations, Park Lake Campground and Picnic Area are closed to the public until further notice. People should avoid the entire Park Lake, Lump Gulch area for the time-being. If for some reason people are in this area, please be alert for fire traffic and reduce driving speeds for the safety of fire personnel.
Cooperators include the Montana City Volunteer Fire Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. No evacuations or pre-evacuations for residences have been issued at this point. Around 20 people were at the Park Lake Campground either this morning and had to leave for safety.
Original Story - A wildfire has been reported east of Park Lake in Jefferson County.
The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest report the estimated size is 3-4 acres burned as of 11:15 a.m.
Park Lake Picnic Area and Campground have been closed. No residences are evacuated at this time.
The fire is currently burning in down and standing timber. A Type II engine and helicopters are responding.
We’ll update this article as more information becomes available.
