Gibralter Ridge fire burning near Eureka

August 9, 2017

New wildfires are burning near Eureka, Montana, after Monday night’s lightning storm. The Gibralter Ridge Fire, located five miles east of Eureka, is estimated today at 1,133 acres. Spotting, caused by high winds, created hazardous conditions and fire growth. Firefighters and ground crews will continue suppression efforts and structure protection, assisted by aerial resources and heavy equipment. A Type II Team will take management of the fire at 6 p.m. MST today and will continue to assist local resources in fire suppression operations. About 80 fire personnel is on the fire and additional resources are being ordered. Firefighter safety is paramount in suppression efforts. Stage II Fire Restrictions remain in effect, with extreme fire conditions. Evacuation notices and pre-evacuation notices were sent to affected residents by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Sherman Creek, Griffith Creek, Terriault Pass, and Stevens Creek are under evacuation orders. Glen Lake and Sinclair Creek (south/east of West Road) are under pre-evacuation orders. The Ten Lakes/Grave Creek recreation area is closed at the junction of Foothills Road and Grave Creek. Law enforcement will be patrolling the evacuation areas while residents are evacuated. Please check the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for the latest on evacuations at: http://www.facebook.com/LincolnCountySheriffMontana. A public meeting to update the public on the fire situation will be held at 5 p.m. MST at the Eureka High School, 340 9th Street East, Eureka. The fire information will be posted to https://www.fs.usda.gov/kootenai, www.facebook.com/kootenainf or https://inciweb.nwcg.gov.