VIDEO: Crews are battling the Observation Point fire in the Lost Horse area south of Hamilton. The blaze was first reported on Thursday, July 24. Located on the Darby-Sula Ranger District, one mile southwest of the Coyote Coulee Trailhead, the blaze grew from 5 to 53 acres in hours. The fire is actively burning in grass and timber. Fire cause is undetermined at this time. The blaze was initially referred to as the Coyote Coulee fire in early alerts. Eighteen smokejumpers working on the Carmine Creek fire near Sula have been reassigned to the blaze. Air attack along with three air tankers out of Missoula are on scene and are dropping fire retardant along with two helicopters assisting with bucket work (water drops). Additional resources have been ordered including two hotshot crews (40 firefighters) and two additional Type 1 helicopters. Numerous engines from Bitterroot Valley fire departments were on the scene and are assisting with structure protection.
