At the request of fire officials, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks closed Rock Creek from where Stony Creek flows into Rock Creek to the confluence with the Clark Fork near Clinton to all boating, floating, swimming and other recreation beginning Aug. 15. The closure is necessary for public safety as helicopters use the river as a water source for fighting the Sawmill Complex fires. The emergency closure will remain in place as long as Rock Creek is needed as a source of water for fire suppression efforts. For additional details on fire and drought-related restrictions and closures, go to the FWP website home page at fwp.mt.gov and select Drought & Fire.