Lolo Peak Fire Evac Update

Montana Public Radio | By Edward O'Brien

Published August 21, 2017 at 9:57 AM MDT

Changes to the evacuations status of areas near the Lolo Creek Fire take effect Monday, August 21 at 10 a.m.

Starting 10 a.m. on Monday, 8/21/17, the following changes to evacuation areas in Missoula County will be in effect:

Highway 12 corridor- From the intersection of U.S. 12 west and U.S. 93 south, west to Lolo Creek Drive (approximately mile marker 27) not including Balsamroot Road will be reduced to a warning status. Balsamroot road will remain on an evacuation order status due to fire activity and need for fire operations access.

Highway 93 South corridor- From the intersection of U.S. 12 west and U.S. 93 south to Sun Valley Road (off of old Highway 93) will be reduced to a warning status except Highland Drive and Folsom Road. There is still ongoing fire operations on those two roads. As a reminder, a resident pass will still be required for the Old Highway 93 South corridor south of Sun Valley Road. Passes can be obtained by calling Captain Burt at 529-0430

From the Missoula County Sheriff's Office, 8/20, 12 p.m.

Some good news today... prefacing that this incident is not over as there is technically still no containment and fire dangers still exist. Having said that, evacuation orders for Sleeman Creek Road are lifted as of 11 a.m. today. Residents are still under evacuation warning.

All homes west of Sleeman are still under evacuation order for the time being. Pilot cars will resume on Highway 12 from the west side of Sleeman to Graves Creek. The National Guard is still staged at various points between those 2 locations and sheriff's deputies will continue patrols. Please continue to comply with the evacuation orders and the closed roads. Driving on closed roads outside of the pilot car system or failing to comply with the roadblocks is a criminal offense.

Pertaining to the Highway 93 South corridor, residents with an Old Highway 93 South address will be provided passes to get through the roadblocks and back into their homes. Residents will be allowed to return to their homes between Old Highway 93 South and Highway 93 South. Important, the passes for old 93 residents can only be obtained at the 93 and Rowan roadblock.

Residents West of old highway 93 South are still under evacuation order and roads are still closed. Missoula county deputies will provide emergency escorts for residence if needed. To inquire about an escort call, Captain Burt at 529-0430."