Holter Lake evacuation lifted

The evacuation order for residents along Beartooth Road near Holter Lake was lifted at 2 p.m. Thursday.

Residents were allowed back to their homes at that time.

Beartooth Road, Holter Lake Campground, Log Gulch Campground, Departure Point Campground, Beartooth Wildlife Management Area and Holter Lake will open to the public at 8 p.m. Thursday.

Residents were evacuated Sunday after two fires were sparked by lightning earlier in the day. The campgrounds also were evacuated that day.

Now known as the Holter Compex fire, the blaze was 55 percent contained as of Thursday morning.

On Wednesday, firefighters had a successful day constructing line and holding the fire within the perimeter. Forecasted winds did not develop, which gave crews good working conditions. Helicopter bucket drops provided water as needed and the CL-415 Scooper Planes were not used.

Residents should use caution on Beartooth Road as firefighting crews and equipment still will use Beartooth Road, according to a letter from Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton.