POLARIS, Mont. — Some evacuation orders were lifted for people affected by the Bobcat Lakes and Sand Creek fires west of Dillon, even as damage at Maverick Mountain raised new concerns for the upcoming ski season.
The fires in the Beaverhead-Deer Lodge National Forest had burned more than 40,000 acres. Residents in the Moose Creek and Sugar Loaf Hill areas were allowed to return.
Evacuation orders at the Go level stayed in place for Elkhorn Hot Springs, Maverick Mountain and areas around Polaris and Billings Creek.
NonStop Local reports a Beaverhead County sheriff's deputy blocked the road near the Grasshopper Inn that leads to Maverick Mountain because of firefighting activity.
We also reported Maverick Mountain appeared to have heavy damage from the Sand Creek fire based on what we were able to observe and photos posted online.
The fire damaged the mountain and knocked out the resort's only chairlift, leaving it out of service for the upcoming ski season. Base-area buildings, snowcats and equipment were saved.
Resort organizers said they are committed to rebuilding with community support. A new nonprofit was also being created to start the process of a fundraiser for Maverick Mountain.
A board member with Friends of Maverick Mountain said more details are on the way.
"We will have a website, we will have a bank account and when we call for this call of action, we will want people to donate money to help us restore our lift and get kids to ski," said Cory Birkenbuel.
Birkenbuel said fundraisers are not set up yet and will be online within the next week. He also said people should follow Maverick Mountain on social media for updates when the fundraiser becomes available.