Lolo Peak Fire at 45,000 acres, Rice Ridge Fire at 100,000 Acres

The Lolo Peak fire burning south of Missoula has grown to over 45,000 acres.

The National Forest Service reports the fire is a long duration wildfire with the potential to reach the corridors of Highway 12 And Highway 93. The fire was very active Sunday night and early Monday, thanks to gusty winds.

Evacuation orders are still in place for areas west of Highway 93 and south of Highway 12.

“The following evacuation zones are under an Evacuation Order: Sweeney Creek, Larry Creek, and North Bass Creek. The fire was vey active overnight due to a strong thermal belt. Torching Sub-alpine fir trees caused spot fires west of division Bravo. The spots grew to a 300 acre area outside the primary containment line. Indirect lines will be identified, constructed, and used to contain this new fire edge. This uncontained fire has potential to threaten Highway 12 and private property and structures along that route. Resource needs reflect this additional work. Unified command remains in place between Turman’s Type 1 Incident Management Team, Missoula County Rural Fire and Ravalli County Fire Warden. Reported containment reflects portions of the perimeter where the fire has been engaged at control lines and has been contained. A large portion of the fire along the southwest, south, and southeast perimeter has not reached containment lines at this time.”

The Rice Ridge fire north of Missoula near Seeley Lake continues to grow. That fire is now at 101,424 Acres and 7% contained. “The Rice Ridge Fire, caused by lightning, started July 24th. The fire is located northeast of Seeley Lake, Montana on the Lolo National Forest. The community of Seeley Lake and surrounding areas are threatened by this fire, multiple evacuation orders and warnings are in effect for Missoula and Powell counties ” the Forest Service says.