Fire West of Polson Forces Evacuations

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — A wildfire west of Polson has burned about seven square miles of grassland and timber and forced the evacuations of 15 residents.

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes says the West Garceau fire started Monday evening on a ridge that separates the Hot Springs area from an area about five miles west of Polson.

Tribal spokesman Kurt Matt says the ridge is known to be drier than surrounding areas and dry, windy weather has made conditions worse. Winds gusting to 30 mph overnight helped the fire double in size from Tuesday.

The evacuated residents were being housed at the Big Arm fire station. The homes are not threatened, but some outbuildings have burned.

Tribal information officer Devlin Lafromboise says some landowners have had to move cattle from the area.