WHEREAS, on July 31, 2016, the Roaring Lion Fire, a wildland fire, began burning and has burned forested areas southwest of the City of Hamilton;
WHEREAS, the fire has additionally burned onto timber located on parcels of privately owned property in the area;
WHEREAS, Stage II Evacuations have been ordered by the Ravalli County Sheriff of at least 500 homes in the area of the fire;
WHEREAS, Stage I Notices have been given to additional homes in the area of the fire;
WHEREAS, there is a high probability of damage and loss of privately owned structures in the area due to this fire; and
WHEREAS, Ravalli County has committed all available resources, taken all possible action to combat and alleviate the situation and local resources are not adequate to cope with the situation;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the RAVALLI COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS does hereby declare a local disaster pursuant to Section 10-3-403 MCA.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that pursuant to the authority of Section 10-3-406 MCA, the Ravalli County Sheriff's Office or any law enforcement operating under its authority, may direct and compel the evacuation of all or part of the population from any area of the county if such action is necessary for the preservation of life, disaster mitigation, response, and/ or recovery.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be filed with the County Clerk and Recorder and the Montana Disaster and Emergency Services Division in Helena.
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS 31ST DAY OF JULY, 2016.
BOARD OF RAVALLI COUNTY COMMISSIONERS