Mount Sentinel to Close Monday due to Extreme Fire Danger

By BECKY GOODRICH

Due to extreme fire danger and Stage II fire restrictions, open space on Mount Sentinel will be closed for a 24-hour period this Monday and Tuesday.  The Missoula Fire Department, in partnership with the University of Montana, have petitioned the City and State to close public lands on Mount Sentinel from 8 a.m. Monday, August 13 to 8 a.m. Tuesday, August 14.

Assistant Fire Chief Gordy Hughes says officials have instituted the closure in the interest of public safety during a concert scheduled for August 13 at UM’s Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

The closure includes all City and University-owned trails on Mount Sentinel, including the “M” Trail, trails from the Sentinel Fire Road and Pattee Canyon Dr., and trails from the Kim Williams Natural Area. University officials say patrols will be in place and trespassers could be removed and ticketed.