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More evacuations ordered as Lolo Creek Complex fire grows

Sally Mauk

Residents of Sleeman Creek road off Highway 12 were ordered to evacuate this evening as shifting winds pushed the Lolo Creek Complex fire further east and past a "flash point" where officials deem it is unsafe for residents to remain in their homes. The fire is currently moving towards highway 12 again just west of Mill Creek. The evacuation order came right after a public meeting was held this evening to brief residents on the fire's expansion to 8000 acres.

That number will surely increase after tonight's fire movement. Officials had also planned to reopen Highway 12 to the public tonight but have now decided the highway will remain closed because of the ongoing fire danger. Four homes have already burned in the fire that first exploded across the highway yesterday afternoon. We'll have more information on Montana Morning news.

Retired in 2014 but still a presence at MTPR, Sally Mauk is a University of Kansas graduate and former wilderness ranger who has reported on everything from the Legislature to forest fires.
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