Campfire sparks small blaze

An abandoned campfire sparked up a small wildfire Aug. 26 near Smith Lake, just north of Whitefish Lake. Officials said the fire was likely left burning following a party at Smith Lake.

A column of smoke was reported by a nearby resident at about 2 p.m. Four Whitefish fire units were dispatched to the scene to meet crews from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. They staged about a half mile up Upper Whitefish Lake Road. Upon arrival, flames were reported to be 2-3 feet tall.

A low-flying airplane kept eyes on the fire while a helicopter equipped with a Monsoon bucket suppressed the slow-moving blaze with at least a dozen water drops. The fire was fully contained and controlled after burning approximately two acres.

A red-flag warning was in effect that day due to low humidity and high winds. Whitefish Fire Chief Thomas Kennelly said it's important to be extra cautious on red-flag days and that anyone who spots a plume of smoke should report it to officials as soon as possible.

Local fire managers remind recreationists and backcountry users to be cautious with fire. All campfires should always be attended to, and be "dead out" before leaving.

Several lightening ignited fires were reported in Northwest Montana that same day.

¥ The Deer Creek Fire west of the Jewel Basin hiking area burned two acres. About 13 firefighters and smokejumpers helped suppress the fire and two helicopters provided water drops.

¥ The Deer Lick Fire, east of Hungry Horse, south of U.S. 2 burned a ridge top near Deer Lick Creek. The fire charred 10 acres.

¥ The Wildcat Mountain Fire on the west side of Hungry Horse Reservoir was less than an acre.

¥ The Fire Creek Fire on the east side of Hungry Horse Reservoir was less than an acre.

¥ The Bryan Lake Fire about 10 miles southeast of Condon in the Mission Mountains was sparked by lightening.

¥ The Cardinal Creek Fire, 18 miles southeast of Condon, continues to burn in a drainage between Gordon Creek and Youngs Creek in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. The lightening -caused fire has burned 2,100 acres. The Flathead National Forest is managing the fire for multiple objectives, including public and firefighter safety, allowing the natural role of fire in wilderness and protecting values at risk. There are some trail closures including, Cardinal Creek Trail No. 506, Cardinal Peak Trail No. 136, Kid Mountain Trail No. 628, Pilot Peak Trail No. 128, and Cabin Creek Trail No. 205.