The latest news on wildfires around western Montana.
Roaring Lion Fire
Last update 8:25 p.m. 08/02/16
A post on the Ravalli County Sheriff's Office facebook page reads "Due to extreme fire danger, all of the Stage 2 evacuation areas of the Roaring Lion Fire are closed to all traffic. No one will be allowed past the roadblocks until further notice."
Highway 93 has been closed from Skalkaho Rd. south to Old Darby Rd. A detour around the closure is available for passenger vehicles, but closed to semi truck/trailer vehicles.
Update 5:20 p.m. 08/02/16
Ravalli County Undersheriff Steve Holton released information regarding the numbers of evacuated homes due to the Roaring Lion Fire. Holton said 631 homes are under a Stage 2 Evacuation Order at this time, with an additional 216 residences under a Stage One Warning status.
Holton reminded the public of the Red Cross Shelter located at the River Church on Lewis Lane and Cooper Lane. The shelter now provides food, lodging, showers, and has laundry services.
Holton also reminded the public of the 45 mile per hour zone on Highway 93 between Skalkaho Highway and Lick Creek, and asked that everyone be aware of the increased fire traffic in the area.
Update 4:20 p.m. 08/02/16
It's been a relatively calm day on the Roaring Lion Fire southwest of Hamilton, but fire officials are saying the predicted dangerous high winds are expected to arrive between six and seven o'clock tonight.
Mike Cole is a public information officer on the fire.
"If this wind comes through as predicted, it's going to channel over the ridges from the west moving east. And as it goes over the top of the mountains and down into these deep canyons here in the Bitterroot, it has a tendency to funnel that wind through the canyons and pick up speed toward the mouth of the canyon. That's the biggest concern because that's right at the mouth of Roaring Lion Creek, is our huge concern right there."
Nine firefighting helicopters and multiple fixed wing air tankers have been dropping water and retardant on the fire since 9:00 a.m.
Today the Ravalli County Sheriff's office expanded both evacuation and evacuation warning areas to the north. Yesterday an estimated 740 homes were evacuated. The sheriff's office does not have an updated number for today.
The Roaring Lion fire is now estimated at nearly 4,400 acres in size, at zero percent containment.
Update 03:02 p.m. 08/02/16
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) closed the Bitterroot River this morning from Wally Crawford Fishing Access Site (FAS) to Angler’s Roost, until further notice, due to the Roaring Lion Fire, burning southwest of Hamilton.
The east side of Westside Road from Roaring Lion to Westbridge Road and both sides of Wyant Lane and Nighthawk Lane have been added to the Stage 2 evacuation area. See map above for more information.
A new Stage One evacuation zone was added today. Stage One warnings mean people should be ready to quickly evacuate. The warning area includes areas west of Westbridge road from North Canyon Drive west and north, including both sides of Blodgett camp road and continuing to Blodgett campground and including Canyon Creek road.
Firefighters are reinforcing lines on the 4,400 acre Roaring Lion fire southwest of Hamilton, especially on the fire's eastern flank which is closest to homes. It's now the number one fire in the Northern Rockies and still stands at zero percent containment. Crews are bracing for strong wind, hot temperatures and low humidity this afternoon.
Fire managers are looking over ground already burned by last month's Observation fire southwest of Hamilton. They're looking for a way to tie in a fire line from the Roaring Lion blaze if it pushes in that direction.
More firefighting resources are starting to pour in. As of this morning there were 201 people assigned to the fire, including three 20-person hotshot crews, two Type 2 crews, 7 engines and 2 dozers with more of everything on the way. There are even 9 helicopters dumping water on the fire when flying conditions permit.
Copper King Fire
Last update 4:03 p.m. 08/02/16
Crews fighting the Copper King Fire east of Thompson Falls were able to slow the growth of the fire today but not contain it.
After exploding from 200 to 700 acres on Sunday night, it’s now estimated to be about 800 acres.
A Type II Incident Management Team took over command of the fire early this morning. There are now 220 personnel fighting the fire, with additional hot shot crews and aerial resources on the way, says spokesperson Anna Callahan.
"The challenge with this fire is that it's in really rugged, steep terrain, so it's more of a let's see where the fire goes and where we can contain it."
Another challenge crews face is the Copper King Fire’s proximity to Highway 200. It’s a busy road and billowing smoke is clearly visible. Travelers are advised not to stop and rubberneck the fire.
Though no evacuation orders have been issued, several forest roads, hiking trails, and two campgrounds are closed.
A red-flag warning remains in effect for increased fire activity.
North Tullock Fire
The Lightning-caused North Tullock Fire is burning on 3,600 acres about fifteen miles north of Hardin in rugged and inaccessible terrain.
Air support is assisting with firefighting efforts in the area, and more resources are on order.
Fire officials are keeping an eye on the weather, as high winds and dry conditions bring increased fire risk.
At this point, it is zero percent contained.
