![Montana Morning State News Headlines for Monday, August 20](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2018/07/Smoke-over-Missoula.jpg?w=630&h=420&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
Montana Morning State News Headlines for Monday, August 20
The entire state of Montana is under an air quality alert as smoke from Montana fires and fires throughout the northwest have settled over the state.
The Howe Ridge Fire in Glacier National Park has exploded to nearly 8,000 acres with zero percent containment. Lake McDonald Lodge has closed for the season.
Frenchtown Fire crews responded to two lightning fires Friday night and Saturday, and open burning was reported near Alberton on Saturday.
Air quality is unhealthy for western Montana. 50 percent chance of thunderstorms and gusty winds with highs only in the low 70's.
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