BLM temporarily closes Axolotl Wilderness Study Area due to fire

ENNIS  – The Bureau of Land Management’s Dillon Field Office has issued a fire prevention order temporarily closing the Axolotl Wilderness Study Area in Madison County due to the Monument and Wigwam fires.

The order is effective at 3 p.m. Aug. 13 and lasts until rescinded. The order prohibits general public access to the Axolotl Wilderness Study Area to avoid conflict with the ongoing fire suppression activity on the nearby fires. The closure area lies within the east half of Township 7 South, Range 3 West and the west half of Township 7 South, Range 2 West.

“Right now, we don’t have any fires on BLM lands in the Dillon area, but the flames are nearby and we’re keeping a close eye on all wildfire activity in our jurisdiction,” said Keith Johnson, acting field manager. “To protect the public and to allow fire crews to safely do their work, we are closing the Axolotl Wilderness Study Area for the time being.”

A copy of the closure order and a map of the affected area are available at the Dillon Field Office, 1005 Selway Drive, Dillon, MT 59725. For more information, call (406) 683-8050.

Updated information on the Wigwam Fire is available online at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6134/ and information about the Monument Fire can be found here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6122/.