Multi-Agency Fire Crews Attacking Blaze in Grant Creek Near Missoula

A fire started Monday afternoon on private land near Missoula in mixed grass and timber. The Colorado Gulch Fire has triggered response from the Montana Department of Natural Resources, local fire departments and the Forest Service. 

According to Lolo National Forest spokesman Boyd Hartwig, the fire was at five acres and growing as of around six p.m. on August 4. A press release states that "numerous resources are en-route, including the Helena Hotshot Crew, local, state and federal engines, one DNRC helicopter and one Forest Service helicopter. An air attack aircraft is also assigned to guide other aircraft and coordinate suppression from the air. Additional resources are expected to be dispatched to this fire."

Because of the close proximity to homes in the Grant Creek Area, some structures are threatened by this fire.

According to Missoula County Sheriff's Department Spokeswoman Paige Pavalone, two homes had to be evacuated that were at the eastern end of Colorado Gulch road. One of the homes housed an elderly man and the other was vacant.

Colorado Gulch Road itself is blocked off to through traffic due to the heavy use of the road by firefighting crews and emergency vehicles.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.