BOB MARSHALL WILDERNESS — A wildfire is currently burning in the Bob Marshall Wilderness area, leading to the closure of multiple trails.
The Pentagon Fire, caused by lightning, was first detected on August 2 and has already consumed 62 acres of land.
This fire is situated between Lime and Wall Creeks, around 18 miles away from the Spotted Bear Ranger Station.
To keep the public informed about alternative trail options, fire crews are placing information signage along the affected trails and actively hiking in the area.
One team has been deployed to the Pentagon Cabin location with helicopter assistance to safeguard the cabin from the approaching fire.
Prior to the arrival of wet and cool weather on Sunday, a helicopter was used to drop water buckets and slow down the fire’s progression.
Due to the fire, Trail 83 (Spotted Bear River trail) north of Spotted Bear Pass, Trail 173 (Pentagon Creek trail) heading towards Switchback Pass, and Trail 90 (Wall Creek trail) are all unsafe for travel.
However, alternative routes are available by connecting through Trail 110 (North Fork Sun River) or Trail 80 (South Fork Flathead River) to bypass the affected fire area.