UPDATE (6:15 p.m.) A section of Highway 200 between Paradise and Plains has been shut down as the River Road East Fire burns in the area.
The Montana Department of Transportation reports the highway is under an emergency closure from mile markers 77 to 85.
ORIGINAL REPORT (4:30 p.m.) Crews are battling a wildfire that's burning in the Paradise area.
A large plume of smoke can be seen from the River Road East Fire.
A Lolo National Forest official tells MTN News that the blaze began on private property along the Clark Fork River near the railroad tracks at approximately 1:30 p.m.
The fire is now burning on Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) lands.
The DNRC is being assisted by the Lolo National Forest, rural fire departments, and the Sanders County Sheriff's Office.
Drivers are urged to use caution along Montana Highway 200 in the area of the fire.
- information from Melissa Rafferty included in this report
