Wildfire explodes near Hamilton, Montana

Roaring Lion fire at 3,505 acres

The Roaring Lion fire is located 5 miles southwest of Hamilton, Mont.

Approximately 500 homes have been evacuated or warned they may have to evacuate soon. It has been confirmed that structures have been burned, the Sheriff's office is working to inform residences involved. There are 5 helicopters working this fire, along with 150 firefighters fighting this fire.

Last night, dozer and hand crews were able to punch in containment lines in a good portion of the East side of the fire. They were also able to put out multiple spot fires around residences.

WATCH HOW THE FIRE TAKES OFF

Resources:

Yesterday, 5 helicopters dropped buckets of water on this fire, including a tanker that dropped multiple loads of retardant. 3 Hot Shot Crews. 3 Type 2 dozers, multiple engines and water tenders from every rural fire station in the Bitterroot, 2 engines and a hand crew from the Bitterroot National Forest worked through the night. They were working to put containment lines in near structures as the winds died down. There have been reports of propane tanks exploding,firefighters used caution as they worked near the structures. Please keep these firefighters in your thoughts and prayers as they work to protect these structures throughout today.

Evacuation areas:

Stage 1 Notification area added - Both sides of Lost Horse Road are on Stage 1 Notification at this time. Stage 1 is Alert and Warning. Stage 1 Notification area added from Owings Creek to Westside Road west to Wyant Lane. The area is on Stage 1 Notification at this time. Stage 1 is Alert and Warning. High probability of the need to evacuate. Stage 2 evacuations are now including Hayes Creek. The full evacuation area is the west side of Hwy 93 from Owings Creek to Hayes Creek. Stage 2 evacuation is necessary in order to protect the lives of area occupants. Stage 2 evacuations are now including Owings Creek south to Roaring Lion and Gold Creek Loop to Camas Creek Loop. Stage 2 evacuation is necessary in order to protect the lives of area occupants. Stage 2 Evacuation is updated to include Lupine Ridge, Two Horse Ln, Highland Drive and North Gold Creek Loop as well as all of Roaring Lion Road. Evacuation is necessary in order to protect lives.

INFORMATION

For more information: call the Ravalli County Emergency Operations Center at 406-375-6650 for information on evacuation, evacuation shelters and livestock emergency placement.
Evacuation Centers: The Red Cross is set up for evacuees at The River Church at 354 Cooper Lane. The church is on the corner of Cooper Lane and Lewis Lane south of Hamilton. Red Cross has a shelter set up for evacuees at the First Baptist Church in Hamilton on the corner of Lewis and Cooper Lane. The Ravalli County Fairgrounds is available for livestock. Gates are open, self-serve. At this time, in order to be a volunteer, you need to be a certified Red Cross volunteer. The Red Cross has been overwhelmed with your generosity, and suggest the easiest way to help is to make a donation to the Red Cross.