Lolo Peak Fire

The Lolo Peak Fire was started by a lightning strike on July 15, 2017. By July 19, the fire had burned 165 acres (1 km²), burning between Meadow Creek and Fall Creek, about one mile west of Lolo Peak's summit. Closures began, specifically numerous forest roads and six trails.[5] Fire fuels include whitepark pine, subalpine fir, subalpine larch and mixed conifer.[6] One week later, by July 29, fire crews began structure assessments for approximately 900 homeowners. Additional roads were closed in the forest and flight restrictions were in place.[7]

By the beginning of August, the fire continued to burn on the south fork of Lolo Creek and Lantern Creek. It also made a run towards Dick Creek.[8] Additional closures took place, including areas within campgrounds. Evacuation warning was put in place for Fort Fizzle and Elk Meadows Road, including Mill Creek. The fire had jumped across Lantern Ridge into Cedar Creek.[9] On August 2, firefighter Brent Witham, from Mentone, California, was killed when a tree fell on him while fighting the Lolo Peak Fire.[10]

As of August 10, the fire had spread to Johnny Creek and efforts took place to prevent the fire from moving towards the community of Lolo.[11] The next day, evacuation warnings were expanded to include the north and south sides of Highway 12 from Fort Fizzle west to Mile Post 20 at Bear Creek.[12] The fire expanded into Tevis and Mill Creeks and mandatory evacuation was put in place for both sides of Highway 12 between Bear Creek and Fort Fizzle.[13] Pilot cars began guiding cars through the evacuated area of Highway 12.[14] The fire expanded significantly by August 16, moving to the north ridge of Carlton Lake and Mormon Creek.[15]

On August 17, two homes and several structures destroyed in the fire. The homes, located on Upper Folsom Road, was started when embers crossed the containment line.[16]

New evacuation orders were put in place and by August 20, the Montana National Guard was assisting with the fire in response to Governor Steve Bullock declaring a statewide fire emergency.[17] Highway 12 remained open with cars being escorted by pilot cars in select areas and Highway 93 was closed.[15] On Saturday, a firefighter's arm was broken when he fell after being hit by a rock while fighting the fire.[18] The fire had burned over 30,000 acres (121 km²) by Sunday.[19]

Evacuation orders were lifted for select areas around Highway 12 on August 21.[20] Shots were fired in the vicinity of the fire, in the Mill Creek area, on August 23 and all fire fighting activities were ceased.[21][22] That same day, evacuation orders were put in place for residents of Sweeney Creek Loop and surrounding areas.[23] On the 26th of August, fire crews moved into the Bass Creek area and worked to remove clear trees and vegetation near Little Joe Cabin.[24] The next day, the Montana National Guard was called off the fire.[25]

By the end of August, the fire was burning along One Horse Creek.[26] The fire began impacting home sales in the area. Insurance companies stopped writing policies for the high risk area around Lolo Peak, impacting 181 active listings and 67 houses pending sales.[27] As of August 31, the fire had burned over 39,400 acres (159 km²), was 31% contained, and estimated to cost $34.6 million.[2]

By September 1, select evacuation warnings remained in place and the fire continued to burn in One Horse Creek and the northern end of Sweeney Creek.[28] New evacuation warnings were introduced on the evening of September 3, due to 10 more houses being threatened by the fire.[29] On September 5, closures were ordered for of Lolo National Forest, Nez Perce National Forest and Clearwater National Forest.[30] The fire moved out of Lolo Creek and into Brushy Creek. Crews completed fire protection on the Skookum Butte fire overlook on the Montana and Idaho border.[31]

By September 18, unified command was dissolved and by September 24, perimeter growth of the fire had stopped.[32]