The latest news on wildfires around western Montana.
Last Updated: 6:52 p.m. 07/07/16
Observation Fire
Yesterday, the Observation Fire burning 10 miles south of Hamilton covered 1,417 acres and had 607 people working for containment. Today, the acreage has expanded to 1,429 and the number of firefighters has increased to ?612.
The fire, started by a lighting strike, is well contained on the north, east, and south perimeters. The western side of the fire reaches inaccessible and rugged terrain, and is unlikely to be completely extinguished until the end of fire season. Helicopter teams are using aerial tactics to combat the fire on the western side.
A pre-evacuation notice was rescinded yesterday at noon. Area closures throughout the Lost Horse drainage remain in effect for the Lost Horse drainage from the junction of Lost Horse Creek Road and Lick Creek Road west to the Idaho-Montana border, including Twin Lakes, Schumaker Campground and Bear Creek Pass Trailhead, and from Lake Como north to Camas Creek. Lake Como is open.
Pole and Fine Fires
The fires burning about 15 miles southwest of Ennis remain at 57 acres with 40 personnel fighting. There has been no update to the 5 percent containment reported yesterday.
