Montana 35 reopens after closure due to wildfire

A stretch of Montana 35 east of Polson was reopened Aug. 11 to residents previously displaced by the Boulder 2700 Fire east of Polson.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office also revised the evacuation status for residents between mile markers 9 and 11. As of Wednesday morning, residents in the area may return home but should be prepared to leave at a moment's notice because of ongoing fire danger.

The speed limit on the highway is reduced to 35 mph between mile markers 6 and 13 for public and firefighter safety.

The Montana Department of Transportation will escort local traffic along a 2-mile stretch of the highway with pilot cars from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Drivers should be aware of hazards in the fire area, including fire-suppression and tree-felling activities, rolling rocks and debris, smoke, fire engines, aircraft and utility vehicles.

Officials ask that drivers not stop in the fire zone.

Mission Valley Power and CenturyLink continued to restore power and internet to the area. Power could be intermittent as infrastructure repair and replacement work continues.