HAMILTON – The weekend’s wild weather is being blamed for igniting several small fires in the Bitterroot National Forest.
Forest officials report that crews responded to six lightning-sparked fires over the weekend. However, the thunderstorms produced some scattered moisture which gave firefighters the opportunity to quickly catch and contain these small lightning fires.
A dry pattern with afternoon gusts and drier relative humidity is expected Wednesday through the end of the week, prompting officials to note that there is the potential for holdover lightning strikes to pop up as drying occurs.
Active fires on the Bitterroot National Forest:
- The Mill Creek fire is located on the Stevensville Ranger District is located on the north side of Mill Creek. This fire is .1 of an acre and is staffed with three firefighters.
- The West Fire is located on the West Fork Ranger District and is located southeast of West Mountain. This fire is .1 of an acre and is staffed with five firefighters.
- Lightning from the Spot Mountain Lookout on the West Fork Ranger District.
- The Sheeps Head fire near Sheeps Head Creek on the Darby/Sula Ranger District was controlled and out yesterday morning.
The fire danger rating remains at “moderate” on the Bitterroot National Forest.
