HAMILTON — Aggressive firefighting tactics and more favorable weather have allowed crews to lift an evacuation warning for about 200 homes near a blaze southwest of Hamilton.
The evacuation alert near the 2.2-square-mile Observation Fire had been in place for 203 homes since June 28. Lightning sparked the fire, which was reported June 24 and is 30 percent contained.
Ravalli County Undersheriff Steve Holton said Wednesday it’s unlikely anyone will be forced from their home.
A cold front is expected to arrive this weekend and could drop up to a half an inch of precipitation on the fire, which crews hope to contain in the next three to five days.