Undersheriff Steve Holton reports that the evacuation status for the Roaring Lion Fire has not changed since yesterday evening. Holton said that due to the expected weather driven fire danger the Stage 2 Evacuation Order remains in effect west of Hwy 93 from Hayes Creek to North Gold Creek to include Whispering Pines and Lupine Ridge.
A Stage One Evacuation Alert and Warning remains in effect from the North Gold Creek area west of Highway 93 and Westside Road, to Blodgett Camp Road.
Lost Horse Road remains in a Stage One Warning status and is open only to residential traffic, as is Roaring Lion Road. Resident permits can be obtained at those roadblocks or the Incident Command Post at Hamilton High School, room 107.
Holton said the evacuation zones are being evaluated several times a day with Greg Poncin’s Northern Rockies Type 1 Incident Management Team in an effort to reduce the Stage 2 area as soon as it is safe for residents to return home.
Holton thanked all of the residents affected by the Roaring Lion Fire for their patience and understanding during this incident, and reminded landowners to be aware of hazards as they return to their properties. Links to information regarding hazard mitigation can be found on the links button of the Ravalli County Sheriff’s App for mobile phones or by contacting the Bitterroot National Forest.