More than 250 firefighters alongside a fleet of apparatus continued to attack a wildfire that sparked up last week just east of Paradise along the Flathead River north of Montana 200.

The Knowles Fire was estimated at 3,638 acres on Monday, Aug. 25, with containment estimated at 16%. The Western Montana All-Hazards Incident Management Team assumed leadership over the incident, with Ken Parks as commander.

The fire was first reported Aug. 17 near the Full Curl Wildlife Management Area in Sanders County. It started in a grass field and expanded into an area of timber litter and tall grass that contributed to the fire's rapid spread.

The cause remained unknown as of Monday.

A pre-evacuation notice remained in place for residents in the McLaughlin Creek area. About 784 structures were cons

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