LOLO PASS — An evacuation warning has been issued in the Lolo Pass area southwest of Missoula due to wildfire activity.

The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office late Saturday issued an emergency notice for the area, located near the Montana-Idaho border and Lolo Pass. 

Deputies will notify residents and visitors along US Highway 12 of the warning, according to a social media post issued Saturday night. People traveling along Highway 12 are being asked not to stop in the area.

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The Lolo Creek fire is one of several burning across the Lolo National Forest. The blaze is located between mile marker 1 and mile marker 2 on Highway 12, approximately one mile west of the highway and 1.5 miles northwest of the Lolo Pass Visitor Center.

Lolo National Forest officials said the fire is "exhibiting high resistance to control and spreading, burning in heavy timber."

The Lolo Creek fire was first reported Saturday evening. Several helicopters dropped water on the flames while engines and firefighters worked on the ground. Crews from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests are providing help on the scene.

Heavy smoke is visible from the Lolo Pass Visitor Center and Highway 12.

Fire Weather Watch is in effect today through Sunday evening which means the area will experience low humidity, high temperatures, and gusty winds of up to 25 mph.

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