As of Monday, firefighters were currently working on seven new lightning-caused wildfires on the Bitterroot National Forest. Thanks to quick response by fire crews and aviation resources, all of the fires are small – 1/4 acre in size or less. All of the fires are located south of Darby on the southern end of the Forest.
The Tin Cup fire is ¼ acre and is located west of Darby up Tin Cup drainage about one mile from the road. Smoke was visible on Monday from Darby. The six other fires are located on the West Fork District east of Painted Rocks Lake near Jew Mountain.
Eighteen firefighters and two helicopters responded to the fires which are being actively suppressed, under a full suppression strategy. The helicopters assisted with bucket work (water drops) on numerous fires to help control the spread, until firefighters could reach them. All of the fires are burning in remote locations and crews had to hike in or be flown in by helicopter.
There were more than 50 confirmed lightning strikes on the southern end of the Forest on Monday morning. The storm that came through also brought minimal precipitation with most weather stations reporting light rainfall (.02 inches).
The lightning-caused Goat Mountain Fire in Idaho’s Frank Church Wilderness was discovered on August 19th. As of Monday, it was 1/10th of an acre and located one mile southeast of Salmon Mountain Lookout. Due to its remote location with no structures threatened, the fire is being allowed to play its natural role in the wilderness and will be unstaffed with a point protection strategy.
Our area remains in “Extreme” fire danger and under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on the forest and in Ravalli County prohibiting campfires and all other fires. Camping stoves are allowed. Visit www.firerestrictions.us/mt for more information.
There are currently 50 uncontained large wildfires burning across the West which is contributing to our smoke impacts and widespread hazy skies. As of 2 p.m. Monday, air quality in Hamilton was listed as ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’. Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion, until conditions improve. For the latest air quality information and a daily Wildfire Smoke Update visit http://svc.mt.gov/deq/todaysair.
Firefighters have responded to a total of 26 wildfires this summer on the Bitterroot National Forest.