More evacuations ordered near Lolo fires
LOLO PASS The Ravalli County Sheriff has issued an evacuation order for all residents on Sweeney Creek Loop north of and including Outback Road. All other previous evacuations and warnings are still in effect in Ravalli and Missoula counties. Firefighters in the Mill Creek area were moved off the fire line Wednesday while the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office investigated reports of gun fire in the area of the fire line. It turned out to be a resident shooting at squirrels. The Lolo Pass fire is now 34,184 acres and 14 percent contained. It is burning 10 miles southwest of Lolo, Montana and has potential to reach the corridors of Highway 12 and Highway 93. There are over 1,200 personnel on the fire, which was started by lightning July 15. Evacuations and road closures are based upon the need to provide for the safety of the public and firefighters based on fire behavior, forecasted weather and planning suppression operations. Fire managers said they are constantly evaluating those conditions and working to get people back to their homes as soon as possible. The Red Cross has opened a shelter at the University Congregation Church in Missoula. SAPPHIRE COMPLEX A community meeting is scheduled from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Philipsburg High School in Granite County for people affected by the Sapphire fire complex, also burning on the Lolo National Forest. Other stakeholders were scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. at the courthouse The lightning-caused fire is burning in remote terrain about 25 miles east of Missoula and south of Interstate 90 in the Rock Creek drainage. It was estimated at 38,851 acres and was 49 percent contained Thursday morning. The operational boundary of the fire is 72 miles in length. There are 3 fires included within the complex; Goat Creek (95 percent contained), Sliderock (75 percent contained) and Little Hogback (25 percent contained). SUNRISE FIRE The Sunrise fire, also on the Lolo National Forest, is now estimated at 25,321 acres and is 57 percent contained. 580 firefighters are assigned. It is burning about 11 miles southeast of Superior, Montana. A cold front is expected to help slow down the fire as crews work to eliminate unburned fuels along the fire’s edge Thursday. A community meeting was held last night at the Lozeau Lodge Pavilion. Evacuations are in effect for Upper Trout Creek, Quartz Creek, Cougar Meadows, Cougar Gulch and Cougar Creek. No other evacuation orders are in effect.
