Roaring Lion fire continues to threaten homes in Montana

The Roaring Lion Fire is continuing to burn actively in the Ward (Gold) Creek drainage towards Camas Creek. Approximately 850 homes have been evacuated.

The fire, which started Sunday, July 31, is located about 5 miles southwest of Hamilton, Montana. The Bitterroot National Forest said 201 firefighters are assigned to the fire, which is now estimated at 7,130 acres. It is 0 percent contained. The cause of the fire has not been determined.

Area closures remain in effect for the Lost Horse drainage, including Schumaker Campground and Bear Creek Pass Trailhead, and from Lake Como north to Camas Creek.

Lake Como is open. Highway 93 was closed for five hours overnight due to heavy smoke and limited visibility. The highway was open Wednesday, although visibility was poor.

The Ravalli County Sheriff’s office is reminding operators that flying unmanned aircraft systems or drones is not permitted in the fire area.

Firefighters are working today to reinforce dozer and hand lines that were put in on the north, east, and south side of the fire Tuesday. They are also extinguishing hot spots near buildings in the area.