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Wildfire
Prescribed Fire
Burned Area
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Butler Creek Fire
Unit Information
Incident Contacts
- Nick HollowayEmail:nick_holloway@firenet.govPhone:406-370-9381
Butler Creek Fire Daily Update 07-22-2024
Butler Creek Fire
Publication Type: News - 07/22/2024 - 10:00
Location: 7 miles northwest of downtown Missoula
Start Date: 7/22/2024
Cause: Unknown
Size: 220 acres
Containment: 0%
CURRENT STATUS
Last night, at 1:30 AM, Missoula Rural Fire Department was first on scene at the Butler Creek Fire, followed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). Together they initiated unified command and called for mutual aid. The fire is burning west of Butler Creek Rd in grass and heavy timber. Additional resources have been ordered and a local Type 3 team assumed command at 8:00 AM. Firefighters are working to clear vegetation to create fuel breaks and reduce fire spread. Dozer line is also being created. Three helicopters are dropping water buckets on the fire to cool the fire’s edge and reduce spread.
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Today, a persistent hot and dry weather pattern will remain over the fire area with temperatures ranging from 95-97 degrees with low humidity. Expect wind speeds of 5-10 mph with gusts up to 19 mph coming from the southeast.
EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES
The Missoula County Sheriff’s Department has issued an evacuation order for residents on Lavelle Creek Road and on the west side of Butler Creek Road from Lavelle Creek Road to Timberline Ridge. Residents north of Timberline Ridge and on the east side of Butler Creek Road are under and evacuation warning.
***Residents under an evacuation order may return to their homes between 12:00 and 1:00 PM today to gather needed items.
The evacuation order issued for residents in the Indreland and Buffalo Speedway area has been downgraded to an evacuation warning. This includes all of Buffalo Speedway and Indreland Lane east of Buffalo Speedway, and streets accessed off Buffalo Speedway such as Kit Lane, Karamu Lane, Patinella Court and Brow Tine Drive. Please visit the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. To view a map of the EVACUATION ZONES, please visit missoula.co/evacuationmap.
The American Red Cross of Montana has opened an Evacuation shelter at the Christ the King Catholic Church, 1400 Gerald Ave, Missoula. Red Cross services are free and available to all impacted. If you need Red Cross assistance call 800-RED-CROSS. Residents in the surrounding area who have not evacuated should remain vigilant