A group of target shooters accidentally started a wildland fire off Roman Creek Road and reported it to authorities. Frenchtown Rural Fire District, Missoula Rural Fire and the U.S. Forest Service responded to the half-acre fire. The shooters called in the fire and helped firefighters contain the flames, according to a Facebook post from Frenchtown Rural Fire District.
Fire officials say they were caught off guard by the weather conditions that allowed the fire to take off. A south-facing slope, direct sun and winds of 10 to 15 mph pushing upslope created the perfect conditions for the fire to spread. Frenchtown Rural Fire District says the incident is a reminder to stay safe while recreating outdoors and to always keep an eye on the weather.
