Lightning causes several small wildfires in area

SEELEY LAKE - Approximately 200 lightning strikes over the Missoula area Thursday night, Aug. 11 and Friday, Aug. 12 left their mark. Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation firefighters are currently battling several wildfires near Seeley Lake as a result.

Missoula County is in EXTREME Fire Danger which means fires of all types start quickly and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious. Firefighters are anticipating more lightning-caused fires to appear throughout the next several days as a result of the recent storms. Patrols and detection flights will be active throughout the area and across the Lolo National Forest. Firefighters and managers are anticipating further initial attack on multiple fire fronts. Remember, if you are out recreating and see smoke please report it to 9-1-1 or the closest authority.

Elbow Lake Fire: The lightning caused Elbow Lake Fire south of Salmon Lake was reported Aug. 12. It was contained at 17.5 acres Sunday evening. Two Type 2 hand crews mopped up (remove all residual heat) and secure fire line with engine support. The fire also received aerial support with bucket drops from the Missoula DNRC Type 2 helicopter helping to knock down flames Friday afternoon. There were no structures threatened or concerns at this time.

Lost Prairie Fire: Also south of Salmon Lake, the lightning caused Lost Prairie Fire was reported Aug. 11. It was controlled Aug. 14 and held to 2.5 acres. DNRC engines worked the fire and aerial support was received Friday. There were no structures threatened.

Dunnigan Fire: West of Greenough in the Dunnigan Gulch area, the lightning caused Dunnigan Fire was reported on Aug. 12. As of Saturday afternoon it was called controlled at 2.25 acres. Crews will continue to patrol the fire and monitor for residual heat.

Mountain Fire: U.S. Forest Service firefighters provided mutual aid to the DNRC and managing the Mountain Fire east of Seeley Lake. This lightning caused wildfire was reported on Aug. 12 and was contained Saturday afternoon at 0.3 acres. It was burning in heavy dead and down timber in the Double Arrow Ranch area. One engine and a module were committed. No structures were threatened.

Elevation Fire: Reported Saturday, Aug. 13 the Elevation Fire was a lightning caused fire located north of Bearmouth, burning in heavy dead and down timber. The fire was controlled Sunday afternoon at 0.25 acres with one DNRC engine and air support from the DNRC Type 2 helicopter is providing initial attack. No structures were threatened.

Detection flights by fixed wing aircraft will continue to be flown over the next few days to locate any "holdover" lightning caused fires that may still be out there.

"With firefighting resources stretched thin by the numerous lightning caused wildfires, we ask residents and visitors to be extra careful when outdoors," said Karl Nikoleyczik, DNRC Southwestern Land Office Fire Management Officer. "Missoula County is in Extreme fire danger and any spark can become a wildfire...so please drown out those campfires and reduce the number of human caused fires that we have to respond to."