Glacier National Park fire forces evacuation of lodge

WEST GLACIER, Mont. (AP) — A growing wildfire in Glacier National Park in northern Montana has forced the evacuation of an historic lodge and a campground.

The National Park Service says the Lake McDonald Lodge and the Avalanche Creek Campground were evacuated Sunday night and a portion of the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road was closed to traffic. Some private residences in the area also were evacuated.

The fire was one of several started in the park by lightning on Saturday evening. Windy, dry conditions on Sunday led to the fire growing Sunday.

Park officials had no estimate on the size of the fire, which is burning on the north side of Lake McDonald. The tourist areas on the south side of the lake are not affected by the fire.