Press Release from Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office
August 17, 2016 – Undersheriff Steve Holton said the Stage One Evacuation Alert and Warning due to the Roaring Lion Fire remains in effect from Lost Horse Road to North Gold Creek. Holton said the warnings were to provide residents with ample notice that the need to evacuate is still possible. Holton thanked those residents for their patience and stated the warnings would likely remain in effect until a fire season ending weather event occurs. The Sheriff’s Office advises residents to maintain the preparations made to evacuate and monitor the available fire information resources. Evacuation updates will continue to be posted on the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office app for smart phones and FaceBook page. Residents can also call the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office at 406-375-4060 for information regarding evacuation status. The area west of Springhill Road is still closed to the public. Residential Permits can be obtained at the roadblock or Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office.
Information on the activities of the Type 3 Incident Management Team and the status of the Roaring Lion Fire can be obtained by calling 406-241-4338 or by visiting the Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor’s office at 1801 N First in Hamilton. People can also get information from Inciweb. An internet link to Inciweb can be found on the Sheriff’s app for smart phones. Information boards will remain in place at the Darby Ranger Station and at the Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Hamilton.
Yesterday: Lookouts continued to monitor fire behavior in Ward bowl to keep an eye on fire activity. They were tasked with assessing fire behavior and preventing fire from getting established outside of the bowl. Aircraft activity increased over the area as fire behavior picked up around midday. Mopping-up around the fire perimeter and reinforcing suppression work around homes in the fire area continues to be the priority in daily operations. Managers intend to continue mopping-up until they are confident that no re-ignitions near firelines or homes will occur. Although the hot, dry weather continues to “test” fireline, no smoke or flames have been seen on the eastern edge. This lack of activity along the perimeter and near homes is a good sign and reinforces the quality of work completed. Smoke will continue to be visible from the interior of the burn area for the foreseeable future and most likely until a season ending event such as substantial rain or winter weather affects the fire area. Today: Lookouts will continue to monitor the fire behavior in the Ward bowl area. Expect to see aircraft over this area again as fire behavior picks up around noon. The insertion of ground resources into the area is still being evaluated. Rugged, difficult terrain and limited safety zones remain a challenge. Air Operations: Aerial resources, both rotor and fixed wing, continue to be available for use both on this incident and for initial attack. Incident aircraft are providing tactical and logistical support as well as medevac capabilities should the need arise. Operations over the Ward bowl area assisting in reconnaissance and suppression activities continues. Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in effect over this fire. It has been reduced in size to match the perimeter of the fire. Please check with the FAA or your local flight service station prior to flying in the area of the fire. Weather and Fire Behavior: High temperatures are forecasted to reach into the high 80s low 90s with humidity getting into the mid-teens low twenties. Winds should be out of the north at 5-10 mph. This weather pattern may continue into Thursday. By Thursday evening the forecast calls for a Canadian cold front moving over the area bringing a chance of moisture and temperatures in the mid-70s to 80s.
Closures: Area closures remain in effect. Camas Creek, Coyote Coulee, Roaring Lion, Sawtooth and Ward Mountain Trailheads are all closed and will remain closed until the risk to the public has been mitigated. The closure also includes the Coyote Coulee trail system and trail #59 up the North Fork of Lost Horse Creek. Observation Point road is also closed. Contact the Bitterroot National Forest or the Fire Information Office for details.
Residents returning to their homes should be cautious and watch out for fire weakened trees. These trees may appear to be completely healthy, but can fall with little or no warning even without wind influence. Go to http://tinyurl.com/gut7awn for additional information.
Cooperating Agencies: Ravalli County Sheriff, Ravalli County Volunteer Fire Departments, Montana DNRC, Red Cross, Montana DOT, Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks and Northwestern Energy.
Ravalli County Undersheriff Steve Holton said the cooperative investigation with Forest Service Law Enforcement continues into the origin of the Roaring Lion Fire on July 31st, 2016.
On August 4th, investigators established the origin of the fire and processed the scene. The U.S. Forest Service and Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office realize the severe impact this fire has had on residents in Ravalli County, and will allocate all necessary resources to determine if the fire was a result of negligence.
Holton encourages anyone with information regarding the Roaring Lion Fire to contact the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office at 406-363-4060 or by submitting a tip via the Sheriff’s app for mobile phones. Anonymous tips can be submitted through CrimeStoppers at 406-721-4444.
Holton said that due to the ongoing nature of this case, more information will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.