Tongue River Reservoir State Park evacuation

Tongue River Reservoir State Park Officials have announced the park has been evacuated a third time this summer due to a nearby fire.

Big Horn County officials issued a recommended evacuation notice Wednesday afternoon. A fire in the area reached the Tongue River Road Wednesday evening at Neck Bay but did not cross the road. Fire crews are still on site, and the fire line was holding. Please allow the fire crews room to do their jobs.

The blaze, which burned five miles overnight, reached the Tongue River Road yesterday evening at Neck Bay but did not cross the road. It is right at the park boundary at Monument Creek. Fire crews are still on site. Please allow the personnel room to do their jobs.

The park’s boat ramps are closed to allow helicopters and aerial crews safe access to the water. Air quality is poor, and visitation is not recommended at this time.

This is the third time the park was evacuated as a precaution due to area fires. Two were recommended evacuations, and one was mandatory. In both earlier cases fires were contained before entering the park.

The current evacuation affected approximately a dozen campers.

Big Horn County is still under Stage 1 fire restrictions. People with upcoming reservations for the park may cancel if they wish or can wait to see if conditions improve.

 For statewide updates, visit FWP’s restrictions and closures page at https://fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions