Red Shale wilderness fire grows

The Red Shale Fire burning north of the Gibson Reservoir near Red Shale Creek and Gates Park in the Bob Marshall Wilderness has grown significantly over the past week, forcing several trail closures in the area.

Started by lightning on July 18, the fire burned 330 acres by July 20. The fire now covers 7,618 acres, burning in an area of downed timber and new growth in the perimeter of the 1988 Gates Park Fire . A helicopter is dropping water on hot spots near structures at Gates Park.

A change in the weather should help. The National Weather service is forecasting cool, wet weather by the end of the week. The following trails are now closed due to the fire:

Trail No. 130 Red Shale Creek Trail from Trail No. 111 to Trail No. 174

Trail No. 108 Route Creek from No. 117 to No. 110

Trail No. 110 North Fork Sun River from pack bridge to Sun River Pass

Trail No. 111 Rock Creek

Trail No. 116 Open Fork

Trail No. 117 Washboard Reef from No. 108 to No. 110

Trail No. 125 Moose Ridge Lookout Trail

Trail No. 130 Red Shale

Trail No. 132 Moonlight Peak

Trail No. 151 North Fork Lick Creek

Trail No. 162 Gates Creek

Trail No. 163 Ray Creek Cut-off

Trail No. 166 Gates to Moose Creek

Trail No. 174 North Wall Trail

Trail No. 175 Wall Trail

Trail No. 194 Rock Creek to Moose Creek