Horn Fire: State Highway 87 reopened as crews battle blaze near state border
News Team
UPDATE:
MADISON COUNTY, Montana (KIFI) — State Highway 87 has reopened this morning near the Idaho/Montana border as crews continue to fight the Horn Fire. The fire, which was started by a lightning strike on Wednesday afternoon, has burned an estimated 2,000 acres, according to the Montana DNRC.
Crews worked through the night, taking advantage of easing winds to slow the rapid spread of the fire. Despite this progress, the Madison County, Montana, Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning of possible evacuations for residents on both sides of the highway.
ORIGINAL:
FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Crews in Madison County, Montana, are actively combating the Horn Fire, a 30-acre brush fire burning along the Idaho/Montana border. According to the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Highway 87 is closed in all directions. Montana authorities are directing travelers to use alternate routes.
“Do not stop along the highway, and please do not use or operate any drones in the area. Any personal drones will require air suppression helicopters to leave the area and will hamper firefighting activity,” said the Madison County, Montana, Sheriff’s Office on Facebook.
The fire began around 2:24 PM, according to the National Interagency Fire Center, and is reportedly visible from the Henry’s Lake area of Island Park. Fremont County Sheriff’s Deputies are directing residents near Island Park and the surrounding area not to report the fire to 911, as emergency services are already aware and are being overwhelmed.
For updates on the Hwy 87 closure, visit https://511.idaho.gov/#:Alerts. This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide more updates as new details become available.