Meeting set for Tuesday for fire near Troy
This Aug. 10, 2018, file photo shows a helicopter dropping water on a wildfire that burned more than 5,000 acres in the Kootenai National Forest in far Northwest Montana. (Courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service)
Kootenai National Forest officials will host a public meeting Tuesday evening in Troy about the Burnt Peak Fire growing nearby.
The fire, now listed at about 650 acres with just 10% containment, is within 2 miles of residences and pre-evacuation notices are in effect. Smoke is visible from the community of Troy.
The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the Three Rivers Ranger Station parking lot in Troy.
The fire was started by lightning on the morning of July 7 and found later that morning. It is burning in timbered, steep terrain on the south face of Burnt Peak in the Keeler Creek drainage area. About 95 firefighters were on the scene Monday utilizing Keeler Rattle Road No. 473, Pony Mountain Road No. 2201, and the North Fork Keeler Road No. 404.
There are also three road closures, including North Fork Keeler Road No. 404, Keeler Rattle Road No. 473 and Lime Butte No. 4735, and an area closure for public and firefighter safety.
The fire is being fought with four engines, four water tenders and other equipment.