The latest news on wildfires around western Montana.
Last Update: 4:40 p.m., 07/06/16
Observation Fire
The Observation Fire burning over 1,400 acres 10 miles southwest of Hamilton is now 30 percent contained, up from 20 percent yesterday afternoon.
The Ravalli County Sheriff’s office lifted the pre-evacuation warning for the Lost Horse Road area as of noon today.
Fire Information Officer Anne Rys-Sikora:
"Things are moving swimmingly. Everybody is very happy with the progress they made yesterday."
607 people, using 21 fire engines and 8 helicopters, are working to minimize the fire through aerial bucket drops, blacklines for controlling further burns, and short term water reservoirs on Camas Creek ridge.
Rys-Sikora says that crews are pursuing full containment on the north, east, and south sides of the fire.
"The hope is, at this point, that the east side and the west side are gonna come around the north end and meet. And they want to get this thing completely corralled in, and they’re hoping to have this entirely done by Sunday."
The west side of the fire is located on difficult terrain and will likely continue to burn until the end of the fire season.
Lake Como is open, but parts of the Lost Horse drainage are still closed.
Pole and Fine Fires
The lightning-caused Pole and Fine fires about 15 miles southwest of Ennis are currently estimated at 57 acres, with 5 percent containment.
Elk Trail Loop fire
The Elk Trail Loop fire near Lincoln was declared 100 percent contained yesterday.
Find more Montana wildfire news here.
