Four new fires burning in the wilderness

The Flathead National Forest reported Aug. 16 that fire managers were managing four new fires on the Spotted Bear Ranger District in the Bob Marshall Wilderness area. All are believed to have been started by lightning strikes on Aug. 11 and will be allowed to play their natural role in the wilderness.

• The Snow Creek Fire was about 34 acres in size and about nine miles south of the Meadow Creek Campground on the west side of the South Fork of the Flathead River. Fire fighters started implementing structure protection for the Black Bear Cabin, about a mile north, but there was no immediate threat. Some trails in the area may be impacted depending on where the fire grows.

• The Damnation Fire, about four miles south of Black Bear Cabin, had covered about 500 acres and was growing to the east and northeast. The fire could impact trail access. Managers were working to keep area trails open with crews on the ground to observe fire location and behavior; however, trail closures to ensure public safety may occur.

• The Pagoda Fire, about a tenth of an acre, was burning on the south side of Pagoda Mountain, about seven miles east-southeast of Black Bear Cabin. Fire managers might include this fire with its plans for the Damnation Fire.

• The Hodag Fire, also about a tenth of an acre, was burning about a mile north of the Black Bear Cabin. Like the Pagoda Fire, it was discovered by fire managers during a helicopter flight on Friday morning, Aug. 16.

Flathead Forest officials remind visitors that as firefighting resources are needed to respond to natural wildfires, it becomes even more important for everyone to be thoughtful and careful in their use of fire in the forest.

The Flathead Forest is not currently under fire restriction regulation, but fire danger is high, and a small spark or an unattended fire of any kind can start a wildfire that could quickly spread.