Missoula, Florence, and Frenchtown Fire Crews Busy on Sunday

Just before 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, a fire of unknown origin sent Missoula Rural Fire and Florence Fire Crews racing down Highway 93 south of Lolo where firefighters encountered a grass fire and power poles burning near mile marker 80.

Arriving crews reported a large column of smoke, as well as a train trestle on the rail line in flames.

It took crews only about 25 minutes to bring the eight-acre wind-driven fire under control, with six engines, a water tender and a Battalion Chief at the scene.

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Then, at about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Missoula Rural and Frenchtown Fire crews were called to the scene of a structure fire that was reported  in the area of Primrose Drive and Mullan Road, west of Missoula. Fire crews found a shed on fire and a grass fire that was threatening another outbuilding. That blaze was brought under control in about a half and hour with three engines, three water tenders, a ladder truck and a Battalion Chief on scene.

Mullan Road was shut down temporarily for the safety of firefighters. No injuries were reported at either incident.

Extreme wind conditions are predicted in the next few days, and residents are strongly urged not to burn. Ravalli County has suspended burning permits for the next few days.