Sunrise Fire close to homes, residents prepare for evacuations

A report released by the Ninemiles Ranger District at 11 a.m. today states that the Sunrise Fire burning 11 miles southeast of Superior has grown to 2,730 acres. Some 60 homes are threatened with the fire within a mile of some structures. Residents in the Sunrise and Quartz Flats areas have been on Stage 2 Evacuation orders since Monday and are prepared for Stage 3 Evacuation which is to leave the area immediately.

There are 400 crew members currently fighting the heavy equipment and resources to help fight the blaze including six helicopters, 11 engines, 5 dozers and 10 water tenders. There will be a night shift to provide full structure protection throughout the night.

There will be a public meeting tonight (July 26) at 7 p.m. at the Lozeau Lodge. Residents can take their livestock to the county fairgrounds in Superior, if needed. Superior and Alberton school gyms are also being readied by the Red Cross if emergency Stage 3 Evacuations are put into place.

The Burdette Fire burning 13 miles southeast of Tarkio is at 400 acres with slow fire growth yesterday because of dense lodgepole stands. Winds will be light out of the northeast today (July 26). Crews will continue to construct and strengthen line along the southern and western side of the fire. It is anticipated that any new fire growth will be minimal and would occur on the eastern edge toward the Inventoried Roadless Area.