Evacuation Changes at Roaring Lion – Lost Trail Fire Update

The Roaring Lion fire is now at 8,262 acres, with very little growth into Sunday morning, August 7. However, active fires will continue to burn inside the fire perimeter south of Hamilton, according to the Sunday morning Incident Command report. The fire is 25 percent contained.

Four new lightning-caused fires in the area were attacked by firefighters Saturday.

There have been changes to the evacuation areas of the Roaring Lion Fire, according to Ravalli County Undersheriff Steve Holton. As of Sunday, the Stage 2 area is in effect for homes north and west of the intersection of Hayes Creek Road and Blue Jay Lane.

Stage 1 areas are now including Camas Creek to North Gold Creek and east of the intersection of Hayes Creek and Blue Jay Lane. The roadbloacks will remain in place and residents are allowed in with a permit, available at the roadblocks or at the Incident Command Post at Hamilton High School - Room 107.

Lost Trail Fire

The 6-acre Lost Trail Fire is burning one and half miles northeast of Lost Trail Pass on the Bitterroot National Forest. Highway 93 is open, but motorists are asked to use caution and not stop along the road to take pictures, according to Tod McKay of the Bitterroot National Forest. Montana Department of Transportation signs have be placed in the area.

There are 60 firefighters on the fire, including the Bitterroot Hotshot crew. Five engines are assisting, along with three helicopters doing bucket work.

McKay said retardant has been spread around 80 percent of the fire by Single Engine Air Tankers.

The lightning storms continue to pass through the area. Holdover fires are expected in the next couple of days.