UPDATE – Evacuation Orders Lifted For Colorado Gulch Residents

UPDATE - 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 23

The Missoula County Sheriff's Office has lifted the evacuation orders for residents in the Colorado Gulch area. 

MCSO staff will still be posted there to make sure only residents are returning to the area. Law enforcement and fire officials are asking only Grant Creek residents enter the Grant Creek area to keep roadways clear for continued fire operations.

The Missoula County Sheriff's Office Facebook page is stating that families evacuated due to the Colorado Gulch Fire could be allowed to return home late Tuesday afternoon or evening.

According to Incieweb, 

"Colorado Gulch Road/drainage remains evacuated and closed. Starwood Drive remains on “Set” evacuation notice. Fire officials and law enforcement are asking only Grant Creek residents enter the Grant Creek area. Closures: Colorado Gulch Road Please visit Inciweb to see latest updates on closures!!!

Public Information officer Brenda Bassett said a fifth wheel motor home was burned in the fire that erupted Monday afternoon, but that the resident was able to escape before the fire reached the trailer. Between 20 and 25 homes were evacuated Monday evening due to the fast-moving fire.

Crews from DNRC, U.S. Forest Service, city and rural fire departments spent the night fighting the fire, along with helicopters and retardant planes.

Bassett said, luckily, no one was injured in the blaze. The cause, initially thought to be a downed power line, has yet to be determined.