This is devastating. The areas to be closed are the Flathead Indian Reservation and all public lands, waters and private forested lands in Missoula, Ravalli, Mineral, Sanders, Granite, Powell and Deer Lodge counties. Also, portions of Silver Bow and Lewis and Clark counties will be off-limits to visitors. Some lakes and campgrounds within those counties are exempted from the closures. Racicot's announcement forbids hiking, fishing and all other activities in the affected areas unless a permit is obtained.
Homeowners can obtain permits if they cross state land to reach their homes.
Montana's 19 largest fires Wednesday had scorched 300,000 acres. The fires are concentrated in the Bitterroot Valley, where at least 52 homes have burned and 971 people have had to evacuate. In the town of Hamilton, residents forced from about 500 homes were waiting anxiously Wednesday to see if the fire would be contained by a 3-mile long fire line near Highway 93. She said she thinks there aren't enough firefighters to protect her family's property. You can't expect them to do the impossible.