Paradise Wildfire Forces Evacuations and Rapidly Spreads to 12,000 Acres

The River Road East Fire near Paradise in Sanders County, Montana, has rapidly grown to nearly 12,000 acres and is 0% contained. Fueled by dry conditions and high winds, the fire has prompted evacuations and caused road closures. Additional fire personnel have been ordered, and an Incident Management Team will take command of the blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The Montana Red Cross has opened a shelter for evacuees, and livestock can be taken to the fairgrounds in Plains. Montana Highway 200 has reopened to traffic.