PARADISE — UPDATE: Aug. 23, 2023, 4:52 p.m.
PARADISE - Officials reopened McClauglin Creek to residents and property owners only in the area of the River Road East Fire near Paradise on Wednesday afternoon.
Anyone entering the area must stop at the checkpoint and get a resident card which must be kept on the dash of vehicles so it is visible to deputies and fire personnel.
Firefighters will still be working in the area and people are asked to limit travel on the road as much as possible.
Fire officials also warn that people should be aware of falling rock, trees and debris and weather events will increase the risk.
The Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes have closed the Flathead River due to the River Road East Fire.
However, the boat ramp at Perma Bridge is still open and boaters can go east, upstream.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks also announced the closure of three sites in the area earlier this week.
(first report: 10:51 a.m. - Aug. 23, 2023)
Little change is being reported from The River Road East Fire burning near Paradise.
The blaze has burned 16,772 acres and is 2% contained as of Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.
Fire managers note that recent rainfall will help keep the fire in check with minimal fire behavior expected.
Evacuation and pre-evacuation notices remain in effect in the Paradise area. Click here for the latest information from the Sanders County Sheriff's Office.
Residents can also receive updates and sign up for automated emergency alerts here.
A public meeting to discuss the fire will be held on Thursday, Aug. 24 at 6 p.m. in the Plains High School gym. It will also be live streamed on the River Road East Fire Facebook page.
The Montana Red Cross has opened a shelter for evacuees at the Church on the Move at 300 Clayton Street in Plains.
There are 582 people assigned to the River Road East Fire which sparked on Friday, Aug. 18.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
