Highway 35 still closed due to Boulder 2700 Fire; eight homes lost

Hungry Horse News

The Boulder 2700 Fire on the east shore of Flathead Lake burned more than two dozen structures, including eight homes, officials said last week.

But the fire over the weekend saw between .5 inch of rain and 2 inches of rain.

The fire started July 31 and rapidly spread.

The fire — which is believed to be human-caused and still under investigation — is burning just north of Finley Point, almost entirely on Flathead Indian Reservation lands.

Gov. Greg Gianforte praised coordination among local, state, tribal and federal agencies, and said the Boulder Fire was of paramount concern as more than 60 wildfires burned across the state.

“We’re in desperate need of resources on so many fires,” Gianforte said. “That said, this is the No. 1 priority given the risks to these structures.”

As of Tuesday, however, it was listed as 33% contained and some people were being allowed to return to their properties.

There are temporary boating restrictions in Flathead Lake near the fire.

As of presstime, Highway 35 is closed in both directions from Polson at the 93/35 junction to Blue Bay at mile marker 15. This closure includes the shoreline and access by watercraft.

While the rain has offered a reprieve, the fire danger will ramp up again in the coming days as it’s expected to warm up and dry out, with highs back into the 90s.