Late-night aerial mapping reveals the wildfire known as the Colt Fire, tearing through the landscape northwest of Seeley Lake, has drastically amplified in size, practically doubling from its last reported dimensions.
Fire Grows With Intense Heat Surges
The Colt Fire, according to fresh data obtained from a midnight flight, has ballooned from a substantial 1,575 acres to a staggering 2,927 acres. As it devours the landscape, the wildfire appears to be growing unencumbered, with containment efforts currently sitting at 0%.
Over 400 firefighting personnel, tirelessly battling the blaze on the ground, are witnessing the fire expand in all directions, but predominantly south, southwest and southeast. The southern section of the fire is experiencing a powerful surge of heat, akin to a volcanic eruption’s intensity.
Evacuation Orders and Warnings Issued
With the Colt Fire spreading rapidly, the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office has deemed it necessary to issue multiple evacuation orders and warnings. Residents living along Highway 83, between mile markers 31 and 27, which includes Beaver Creek Road at the junction of Highway 83 and those in Rovero Flats, are under an evacuation order.
