Fire danger rated as 'high'

Lightning strikes ignited new fires last weekend on the eastern portion of the Flathead National Forest. Forest officials have since issued a “high” fire danger rating with more hot and dry conditions predicted.

The Elbow Pass Complex Fire and Prisoner Lake Fire burning in the Bob Marshall Wilderness have prompted forest officials to close trails for public safety.

These lightning-started fires have burned 12,000 acres combined.

Growth potential at the Elbow Pass Complex is described as “high.” Three hot-shot crews and three helicopters were tending to the blaze on Tuesday.

The Prisoner Lake Fire was spotted Tuesday in the Bob and quickly grew from about 175 acres to 3,024 acres due to hot and dry winds. It is burning northwest of the Elbow Pass Complex. This fire will be managed for suppression, but officials say firefighter safety will be a concern because of steep rugged terrain and extremely dry fuels.

Two small lightning-caused wildfires popped up this week in Glacier National Park.

Smoke was reported Sunday on Mount Brown three miles east of the Lake McDonald Lodge. The fire was estimated at less than one tenth of an acre. By Tuesday, July 31 the fire was declared out.

Park firefighters also responded to the Fish Lake Wildland Fire on July 31. The fire was estimated to be approximately one quarter of an acre and located near Fish Lake, about two miles east of Sprague Creek campground.  

Smoke was visible from Lake McDonald and Sperry Chalet. Containment of this wildland fire was anticipated by Wednesday.

•The Coal Creek Fire is southwest of Cyclone Lake on the Hungry Horse Ranger District and is three acres in size. The initial attack included 16 firefighters with helicopter support.

One wildland firefighter suffered minor injuries on the Coal Creek Fire and was transported to Kalispell Regional Medical Center via ALERT.

•The Condon Mountain Fire on the Swan Lake Ranger District is 15 acres in size. A helicopter was used to drop water on the fire. The fire is burning in isolated pockets of heavy fuels in high elevation rocky and steep terrain.

•The Pentagon Fire, located near Pentagon Creek in the Bob, is a half-acre in size. The initial attack involved 13 firefighters with helicopter support.

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