Several structures destroyed by fire near Finley Point

MISSOULA — Several structures have been destroyed by a fire burning near Finley Point several miles east/northeast of Polson, according to CT Camel, spokesperson for Division of Fire of the Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribes.

As of Sunday morning, the fire has burned an estimated 1,150 acres. The cause of the fire is still being investigated. At this point, there are no reports of any serious injuries.

Mark Clary of the Lake County Office of Emergency Management Director told CSKT they believe 15 to 20 structures were destroyed in the area of mile marker 9 on both sides of Montana Highway 35.

There is no word yet on whether any of the structures were residences.

The Red Cross has set up a shelter for evacuees at the Linderman Gymnasium in Polson.

Montana Highway 35 is closed from the intersection with US Highway 93 in Polson to mile marker 15 on the north end.

MTN

Camel expects to have an update from overnight progress later Sunday on acreage, containment, and firefighting resources. We will keep you updated as we get more information.

(7:42 a.m., AUGUST 1) Evacuations have been ordered near Polson due to a wildfire.

Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for Skidoo Lane and Finley Point as well as between mile marker 6 and mile marker 12 on Montana Highway 35.

Highway 35 remains closed between Polson and Yellow Bay, according to the Montana Department of Transportation.

MTN

Winds pushed the Boulder fire across Highway 35 at mile marker 10 and toward Flathead Lake, the Finley Point/Yellow Bay Fire Department reports.

Additionally, anyone south of mile marker 6 on Highway 35 should be prepared for possible evacuations.