MILES CITY – Although wildfires burning near Tongue River Reservoir are still not contained, fire activity has calmed enough that the reservoir has reopened to watercrafts and an evacuation warning has been lifted.

On Friday amidst aggressive fire activity, an emergency closure of the reservoir was issued by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks so that fire planes could collect water safely from the reservoir. Big Horn County officials also issued an evacuation warning for the area east of Tongue River Reservoir all the way to the county line.

The closure and evacuation were lifted Sunday afternoon as conditions improved, but fires are still fluid. Fire helicopters may still be using the reservoir, and Pee Wee North Campground is still being utilized as a fire camp. Stage 1 fire restrictions are still in place, and no campfires are allowed.

The park has been evacuated three times this summer due to nearby fires, but this was the first emergency closure of the reservoir.

FWP thanks fire crews and volunteers for their hard work and appreciates visitors accommodating fire suppression activities.

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