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Firewatch 2011

Lolo wildfire burns 20 acres, full containment expected

Posted: Jun 1, 2010 9:08 AM by Mark Thorsell, Andrea Lutz, Irina Cates
Updated: Jun 1, 2010 9:08 AM


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LOLO- The wildfire burning on Sleeman Creek Road in Lolo has grown from 10 to over 20 acres, but fire officials say they hope to have the blaze fully contained by late Monday evening. At last check, the fire was reported to be 75% contained.

There are nearly 50 firefighters working the scene with the fire incident commander telling us that their big concern right now is if the winds pick up.

The blaze broke out Sunday afternoon at a residence in the wooded, residential area after a controlled burn, which was thought to be extinguished, was fanned by winds and quickly ran up a hillside.

The U.S. Forest Service is working the fire with the air of a DNRC helicopter which is dropping water about every 30 minutes. The Missoula Rural Fire District is also on the scene, providing structure protection for three nearby homes.

Authorities say the homeowners had a proper permit to perform the controlled burn.


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Watch RAW Video from the fire below.


LOLO - Fire crews are still on scene of Sunday's wildlands fire on Sleeman Creek Road.

Missoula Rural Fire District reports they're in the mop-up stage, but will leave a couple of their engines on scene throughout the day.

The homeowners tell us that they started a controlled burn Sunday around one, and thought it was out, but a little later noticed a small fire burning up the hillside next to their house.

The fire worked its way up the hillside fast and burned about 10 acres.

Fire crews from Missoula and Florence, aided by a DNRC helicopter worked to battle the blaze well into Sunday evening.

Topics: lolo, sleeman, fire, firewacth

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