UPDATE: 2:45 p.m. - July, 23,2023
MISSOULA- The Missoula County Sheriff's Office has issued evacuation warnings for residences on Beaver Creek Road and those at mile marker 31 of Montana Highway 83.
Residences on Highway 83 between mile marker 27 — south of Rovero Flats to mile marker 25.5 — are also under an evacuation warning.
Additionally, homes on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an evacuation warning.
However, the east side of Lake Inez along Highway 83 is not under any evacuation warning or order.
The U.S. Forest Service has issued emergency closures of Rainy Lake Campground and the main Lake Alva Campground and Lakeside at Alva.
July 22, 2023 report
MISSOULA - Residents along a section of Highway 83 north of Seeley Lake are now under an Evacuation Order.
Due to the Colt Fire, Missoula County Sheriff's Office has issued an Evacuation Order for residents along Highway 83, between mile markers 27 and 31 — between Rainy Lake to Summit Lake.
The social media post states resident are ordered to "immediately leave the area. Incident conditions present an immediate threat to persons within this area."
Additionally, an Evacuation Warning is in effect for residents between mile markers 25.7 and 27 along Highway 83.
The American Red Cross has set up a shelter for evacuees at the Blackfoot Community Bible Church in Ovando.
(first report: 3:27 p.m. - July 21, 2023)
MISSOULA - An Evacuation Warning has been issued for some residents in the area of the Colt Fire which is burning 15 miles northwest of Seeley Lake
The Missoula County Sheriff's Office has issued a warning for residents along Montana Highway 83, between Rainy Lake to Summit Lake.
A social media post notes that "conditions can change quickly! If fire activity increases, emergency personnel may not have time to make personal notifications."
People who see a slow-moving emergency vehicle with lights and alternating siren tones moving through the area, it's time to evacuate.
