Community briefs

Eureka motorcyclist dies in crash with deer

A Eureka man riding a motorcycle died Saturday evening after striking a deer on U.S. 93.

According to Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Virgil Sadewasser, the 64-year-old man was driving a Harley-Davidson motorcycle north on the highway at a high rate of speed at milemarker 177.4 at about 8:39 p.m.

The motorcycle went in a sideways slide and struck the deer. The man, who was not wearing a helmet, was thrown from the cycle and died at the scene.

Heat advisory issued for northwest Montana

Temperatures of 100 to 105 degrees have led National Weather Service forecasters to issue a heat advisory from noon Tuesday to Thursday night in northwest Montana.

Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses and experts recommend drinking plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Also, take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Gravel Pit Fire 65% contained

Fire crews have made significant progress on the 304-acre Gravel Pit Fire, listing it as 65% contained on Monday.

According to Ken Parks, Incident Commander of the Western Montana Incident Management Team, fire behavior was low with smoldering and creeping, but there is concern for more fire behavior with temperatures over 100 degrees and low humidity this week.

Fire crews worked to locate and extinguish hot spots in an attempt to prevent flareups.

The evacuation warning in place for residents near the fire area along the Highway 2 corridor has been lifted.