The Red Eagle Fire is slowing in force but it has already caused long term damage for the Blackfeet Nation of Montana.

The fire has destroyed cattle grazing lands and a winter range for elk. Timber stands that are a source of revenue for the tribe were burned.

"There's a huge effect on the Blackfeet," Sheriff Wayne Dusterhoff told The Missoulian. "A lot of livestock forage is burned up. The timber's burning. The tribe has suffered a huge long-term loss."

The blaze has burned more than 25,000 acres, with about 14,500 acres on the resevation. It is about 20 percent contained.

Get the Story:
St. Mary hopes to reopen Wednesday night (The Missoulian 8/2)
Park terrain hampers firefighters (The Great Falls Tribune 8/2)
Glacier fire grows; ains made near Livingston (AP 8/2)
Schweitzer views Glacier fire (The Great Falls Tribune 8/2)

Relevant Links:
Blackfeet Nation - http://www.blackfeetnation.com

Related Stories:
Fire continues to burn on Blackfeet Reservation (8/1)