MISSOULA - A grass fire broke out along eastbound I-90 by the Reserve Street exit on Friday, at around 11 a.m., prompting evacuation notices for businesses in the area as the fire crept dangerously close.
A Florence Coffee stand sat roughly 50 yards from where the fire's edge ultimately stopped, with the employees inside at a loss for what to do as they watched the fire creep towards them.
“I was like, um, holy, holy moly. I'm going to call my boss like right now,” said a Florence Coffee employee.
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The City of Missoula Fire Department, Missoula Rural Fire District, US Forest Service (USFS), Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), City of Missoula Police Department and the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office responded to the fire, containing it within 45 minutes from when it started.
Water tenders, fire engines, hand crews and two DNRC helicopters attacked the fire while the Missoula Police Department set up a perimeter around the fire to keep operations running unencumbered from residents watching in the area.
For those around the fire, like Kevin Davis, who had just attended a meeting with fire officials earlier that morning, the fire came with eerie timing.
“That's what Missoulians have to do. We have to be ready to leave and evacuate on a moment's notice. It's just a matter of knowing where to go,” said Davis.
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation stated on social media that the "cause of the Cole Mine Fire remains unknown at this time; however, with hot, dry conditions persisting, even small roadside incidents can quickly ignite wildfires. Drivers are reminded to maintain their vehicles, check for dragging chains, and never park on dry grass to help prevent future fires."
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but as more information becomes available, we will be sure to update you.
(fourth update: 1:26 p.m. - August 22, 2025)
The eastbound lanes of Interstate 90 have been reopened in Missoula following a Friday morning wildfire.
The road had been closed between the Expressway and Orange Street exits,
Drivers should expect to find delays in the area.
(third report: 11:53 a.m. - August 22, 2025)
The Missoula County Sheriff's Office reports businesses off the Reserve Street exit and along Howard-Raser Street in Missoula have been evacuated due to the wildfire.
Watch: Wildfire burning along I-90 in Missoula
Additionally, the eastbound lanes of Interstate 90 are closed between mile marker 99 and mile marker 104.
The Reserve Street exit is also closed, with traffic being routed through the Expressway exit.
People are asked to avoid the area.
(second report: 11:44 a.m. - August 22, 2025)
Crews are battling a wildfire along Interstate 90 in the area of the Reserve Street exit.
The eastbound lanes of I-90 have been closed in the area. There are also local road closures in the area.
Initial reports indicate 5 acres are burning.
Fire crews from numerous agencies responded to the scene and helicopters could be seen dropping water on the wildfire.
Watch crews battle fire along I-90 in Missoula
(first report 11:16 a.m. - August 22, 2025)
Smoke is being seen along a stretch of Interstate 90 in Missoula.
Numerous crews are responding to an area between the Reserve Street and Orange Street exits on I-90.
The Montana Department of Transportation reports the right lane of I-90 is closed in the area of mile marker 101.
Initial reports indicate 5 acres have burned.
Drivers should use caution in the area and expect delays in the area.
We have a reporter en route and will have additional information as it becomes available.
