UPDATE: 8:58 a.m. - July 10, 2025
A tree that knocked down power lines is being blamed for a wildfire that sparked on Wednesday afternoon along Interstate 90 near the Tarkio exit.
The Superior Volunteer Fire Department responded at approximately 3:15 p.m. for reports of smoke in the Tarkio area.
Crews arrived to find that a tree had knocked over two sets of power lines and caused a fire just south of Interstate 90.
The U.S. Forest Service and the Frenchtown Rural Fire District were called to the scene as crews battled the blaze.
A pair of helicopters also quickly responded to the scene to drop water on the flames.
According to a social media post, NorthWestern Energy and the Missoula Electric Cooperative quickly responded, "and discharged transmission lines to assist in suppression and continued access to the fire."
The fire was contained at approximately 7 p.m. Crews then began mop-up activities and checked for hot spots.
The Superior Volunteer Fire Department reports that crews will work on Thursday to continue to strengthen the perimeter line to maintain containment of the fire.
People are being asked to avoid the area as crews will be in the area on Thursday.
(second report: 5:11 p.m. - July 9, 2025)
Crews are battling a wildfire that broke out Wednesday afternoon adjacent to the Trakio exit off Interstate 90.
Lolo National Forest firefighters have been responding to the blaze, which is estimated at between 4 and 5 acres.
Four engines, one water tender, one initial attack module, and a helicopter are on scene with an additional helicopter is en route.
The fire is 10 miles west of Alberton and 13 miles southeast of Superior.
The Tarkio exit remains open; however, the Montana Department of Transportation may be directing traffic in that area.
(first report: 4:27 p.m. - July 9, 2025)
A wildfire is being reported in the Tarkio area along Interstate 90.
The Mineral County Sheriff's Office is asking drivers to watch for emergency crews in the area of mile marker 62.
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation reports the fire has burned 4 acres.
The fire may have been sparked by a downed power line, according to a social media post.
