Mandatory evacuation has been extended to now include the area west of Florence Carlton Loop from Tie Chute Lane south to Holloway Lane. No one will be allowed into the evacuation area today. Resident permissions will be evaluated as fire operations continue through the weekend.
Ravalli County Evacuation Zones are as follows:
Evacuation orders remain in effect on the west side of Hwy 93, from the north side of Tie Chute Lane north into Missoula County.
Evacuation warnings are in effect west of Hwy 93 from Holloway Lane south to Bass Creek Road.
There is a staffed Fire Information tent in the Farmers State Bank parking lot in Florence.
Due to expected extreme fire behavior this afternoon, the evacuation order area in Ravalli County has been expanded to include residents west of Florence Carlton Loop from Tie Chute Lane south to Holloway Lane.
Sheriff Steve Holton said that an evacuation information center has been established in the Florence Farmers State Bank. Evacuees are asked to provide their contact information at the Ravalli County Search and Rescue Command Van parked at that location. There is also a Lolo Peak Fire Information tent at Farmers State Bank. Fire Information can be found by calling 406-272-5433. The Ravalli County Emergency Operations Center can be reached at 375-6650 for evacuation information.
Because of the potential for a dangerous burn period today, and the need to provide the ability to move fire fighting resources, Old Hwy 93 is closed from the intersection of Long Lane in Florence north through Missoula County. Additionally, no one will be allowed into areas under evacuation orders. This will be addressed as the fire progresses, but in order to provide for public, firefighter, and property safety and protection, evacuation orders will be strictly adhered to by law enforcement patrols and road blocks.
Sheriff Holton encouraged all residents to download the free Ravalli County Sheriff’s app for mobile devices and sign up for AlertSense Emergency Notifications to receive important updates and information as the situation changes.
The Town of Stevensville has offered Lewis and Clark Park for campers and trailers for evacuated people. Campers are asked to park on the paved area, tents may be placed on the grass. Pool showers and restroom facilities are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Contact Stevensville Town Hall during business hours at 777-5271 extension 4, for more information.