In the waning hours of August 16, the Lolo Peak Fire crested the ridge, prompting new evacuation orders along Highway 12 and the west side of Highway 93 just south of Lolo. As many as 400 homes are impacted as the flames flared up, leaping hundreds of feet in the air.
Thick smoke glowed a deep crimson west of Lolo, illuminated by the fire raging below, a stark contrast to the otherwise clear black skies. Silhouettes of trees not yet consumed were visible as smoke chokes the valley below.
Points of red and blue light dotted the hill as law enforcement rushed from home to home, searching for anyone who may be sleeping through the evacuation. Highway 93 was teeming with vehicles, many of which hauled campers and trailers as drivers sought refuge.