National Guardsmen Respond To 30K Acre Montana Wildfire

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[Cover Photo: Montana Wildfires]

After threatening the town of Lolo, Montana for nearly two weeks, the Lolo Creek Fire fight is requiring federal assistance.

According to KREM2, 154 national guardsmen have been called in to fight the blaze alongside hotshots, local firefighters, and others to help tamp down what has been one of the largest wildfires this summer in the continental USA.

The #LoloPeakFire was very active today, as was the Aerial Fire Depot. #mtwx #mtfire pic.twitter.com/gL1JcDz83Z

— NWS Missoula (@NWSMissoula) August 17, 2017

Experts believe the fire was started by a lightning strike and has since been fueled by high temps and dry conditions. Lately, the fire has slowed yet continues to move south and is labeled “active” on InciWeb. Since beginning on 7/15/2017, the fire has killed one person and burned down two homes.

“Estimated cost of managing the Lolo Peak Fire is at $20.4 million.” – Montana Wildfires

There are currently 1,057 personnel on the scene helping with fire fighting efforts. Having already claimed 31,459 acres, the fire remains active and will likely grow slowly as crews begin to get a handle on the blaze’s perimeter.

#LoloPeakFire Another one for you guys. You may use it with courtesy if you'd like. @missoulian @weatherchannel pic.twitter.com/MmrZfcyrCQ

— Justin (@Justinj9511) August 19, 2017

The Lolo Peak Fire calmed down after an explosive start to the weekend sent massive smoke ash plumes into the sky https://t.co/F28cb5AfpZ pic.twitter.com/ttfV0JIgjA

— Montana Wildfires (@MTWildfires) August 20, 2017