LIBBY – The Gold Hill fire burning 13 miles north of Libby has now grown to an estimated 3,178 acres.
Fire managers say crews have continued to work on structure protection along Highway 68 and started completing road preparations to the north. Resources also prepped the Noisy Creek Road and the Blue Creek Road east.
Evacuation notices remain in effect for residents between mile marker 11 and mile marker 13 on the Pipe Creek Road. Structure protection crews are be scouting and preparing homes in case the Gold Hill fire does move into the area.
Fire managers report that the blaze has made its way into Noisy Creek on the south and east sides of the fire perimeter.
There are now 238 people assigned to fight the lightning-sparked blaze which was 1% contained as of Sunday.
