Sunrise Fire now nations number one priority which grew to 3,700 acres overnight

The Sunrise Fire burning 11 miles east of Superior blew up overnight and grew another 1,000 acres. It now stands at 3,700 acres as of Thursday at 11 a.m. and is now the nation’s number one priority fire. For local fire crews this means more resources to battle the growing blaze.

Evacuation orders, Stage 3, were put into place last evening at around 6 p.m. for Quartz Flats and Sunrise Creek Road areas. Residents are on standby with Stage 2 orders for Quartz Creek and Verde Creek areas.

Crews are concerned as a continued high pressure system is bringing hot and dry conditions for the next several days. There are also reports of increased instability this afternoon, Thursday, July 26, with possible winds gust up to 30 mph and isolated thunderstorms. Traces of rain is also in the forecast but not enough to dampen firefighting efforts.

Main fire activity concern is long-range spotting, short crown runs and group torches as winds increase. At a public meeting last night at Lozeau Lodge, there were reports of spotting up to a mile away from the main fire.

As more hotshot crews descend on the area and with increased helicopter water drops, there will be continued efforts to construct a fire line from Verde Saddle to the Quartz Road. They will also finish structure protection on Verde Creek.

In addition to the evacuations, Loop G of the Quartz Creek Campground has been closed. The loops on the north side of Interstate 90 remain open. Mineral County is in Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, which includes no campfires and smoking only in restricted areas.

All fishing accesses will remain open. Evacuees are able to stay at the Superior school gym. The Missoula Red Cross is also available for food and other necessities. The Human Society is available for pets and livestock can be taken to the fairgrounds in Superior. The sheriff’s department will notify residents as to when they can return to their homes.

Also, mail will not be delivered into the area and residents were instructed to contact the Superior post master. Representatives for both Senators Steven Daines and Jon Tester were at the public meeting on Wednesday evening. Sen. Daines also called County Commissioner Laurie Johnston and Sheriff Tom Bauer to let them know he was thinking of them and working to secure resources back in Washington D.C.