Evacuation zone widens near Superior fire
<p>The West Mullan Fire west of Superior has expanded to 3,600 acres. More than 20,000 gallons of retardant and 700,000 gallons of water were dumped on the eastern and northeastern flanks of the fire.</p>
<p>This map shows the perimeter of the West Mullan Fire as of Thursday, July 18.</p>
The Mineral County Sheriff’s Office issued more evacuation orders Thursday afternoon as temperatures rose and the humidity decreased on the West Mullan Fire burning north of Superior.
Fire officials say at least 100 residences now have been evacuated since the fire started on Sunday evening.
Strong winds Wednesday afternoon helped push the fire from 1,800 acres to an estimated 3,650 acres by Thursday. It grew to 4,150 acres by Thursday night and officially was 4,550 acres Friday morning.
The winds Wednesday also forced fire managers to pull firefighters off the fire lines.
No traffic is being allowed north of the Clark Fork River in Superior.
The Sheriff’s Office extended mandatory evacuation orders to residents on Keystone and LaVista Roads. A roadblock was established off U.S. 90 at the Dry Creek exit.
Evacuated areas include West Mullan Road, East Mullan Road east to Big Eddy, Pardee Road, East Pardee Road and Flat Creek Road.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has closed the Clark Fork River to the public from the Big Eddy access to the Sloway access. The closure applies to boating, fishing and hiking along the river to allow for aviation operations on the river, a main source of water for firefighting helicopters.
A force of 479 people is fighting the fire.
Fire information officer Greg DiNitto says the northeastern part of the fire had burned very near the Bonneville Power Administration power line, but reportedly had not crossed it.
No structures have been lost.
The American Red Cross set up an emergency evacuation center at Superior Elementary School.
The Mineral County Fairgrounds has been opened to house animals and livestock, but owners are responsible for food and water.