March 30, 2024
News release prepared by:
Battalion Chief Ron Lubke
At approximately 5:55 pm on Saturday, March 30, 2024, The Missoula Rural Fire District (MRFD), the Missoula Fire Department (MFD), and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) were dispatched to the area north of 1500 Spurlock Road for a reported wildland fire. Missoula County 911 received several reports of a fire spreading in the north hills above the Republic Services landfill.
The exact location of the fire was unclear, and crews had to approach from several different directions to find access to the fire. Several homeowners in the area provided access points to fire crews in an attempt to reach the fire.
Arriving at the fire, crews found an active fire burning in light flashy fuels. The fire was spreading in several directions. Crews initiated an attack on several flanks of the fire. Once crews arrived at the fire it took about 40 minutes to bring the fire under control, and the fire was extinguished in just over two hours.
The fire burned over eight acres. No structures were threatened or damage, and there were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. Four engines, one water tender and two command units responded to the fire with a total of 12 firefighters. The cause of the fire is under investigation by MRFD and the Missoula Couty Sherriff Office.
MRFD would like to remind the public that even though we are just coming out of winter, lighter fuels that cured last summer are still dry and ready to burn. Please exercise caution when burning outdoors and never leave your fire unattended. Even a small campfire can spread quickly. If you must leave your fire extinguish it before leaving.
###
For additional information on this incident or fire safety please contact MRFD at 406-549-6172.