Even as some fires were contained, the total acreage consumed increased. Total acres burned increased to 1.4 million from 1.3 million Monday, while the total number of fires burning dropped to 79 Tuesday from 87 on Monday, the fire center said. Cooler temperatures and lower winds continued to help firefighting efforts, but the temperature was expected to rise again this week, D'Amico said. Recreation areas shrinking The BLM's closure of additional lands in Montana is likely to further rankle outdoor enthusiasts who have seen the amount of land available for hiking, camping and fishing shrink. The land will not be open to the public for activities such as hiking, camping or fishing, mainstays of summer recreation in Montana, but the bureau order allowed exceptions for specified campgrounds and recreation areas.
People still can cross the federal land for access to their homes.
In the month since Montana's fire season began, the burning has disrupted major industries such as tourism and agriculture, drawn thousands of firefighters and sent smoke miles from the flames. On Tuesday, haze from Montana fires hung over Reno, Nevada. Investigators said the fire was likely started by maintenance crews working on railroad tracks. In Idaho, officials worried about losing help as many college students fighting fires return to class. Twenty-seven large fires are burning almost 629,000 acres in the state.