Gun fire shuts down Lolo fire fighting activity

Update: Given projected weather events, including high temperatures, gusty winds, and the potential for lightning over the next couple of days, the Ravalli County Sheriff has ordered no changes to the county’s evacuation orders. There will be no escorts past roadblocks. The sheriff’s office will reevaluate the danger Thursday morning with an eye toward providing limited escorted traffic if it is safe to do so. Original Story: The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office was called to the Mill Creek area of the Lolo Peak forest fire after reports of shots being fired Wednesday morning. Firefighters were forced to stop fire operations while the incident was investigated. Officials said the use of firearms or drones can have vast effects. It can delay the re-population of evacuated areas and place the lives of the public and firefighters in danger. Firefighters had to stand down and all aircraft were grounded until the actions could be investigated. The Lolo fire, burning 10 miles southwest of Lolo, Montana is estimated at 33,031 acres. It is 14 percent contained. Crews were expecting critical fire weather Wednesday with active torching, spotting, and potential for significant growth. Firefighters were also concerned about winds pushing embers across containment lines and new lightning activity. More than 1,200 personnel were assigned to the fire this week. The fire was believed to have started by lightning on July 15th.