Fire Prompts Emergency Closure of Tongue River Reservoir

Two fires are burning very near Tongue River Reservoir State Park and an evacuation warning is in effect for the area, prompting an emergency closure of the reservoir Friday afternoon by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. The reservoir and its boat ramps are closed to all watercraft use because fire suppression resources are using reservoir water to fight the blazes and it is unsafe to have recreational crafts on the water.

The park is still open for public use, but visitation is discouraged due to poor air quality and fluid fire conditions. This is the third evacuation of the park this summer due to nearby fires, but this is the first emergency closure of the reservoir.  Fire behavior has been unpredictable over the last 24 hours as the Remington Fire in Wyoming crossed into Montana and began burning north through the Decker area. Big Horn County officials issued an evacuation warning for the area east of Tongue River Reservoir all the way to the county line.  Big Horn County has been under Stage 1 fire restrictions for several weeks. For statewide updates, visit FWP’s restrictions and closures page here.