Wet weather smolders wildfires

Wildfire activity was toned down over the weekend as more than an inch of rain and snow fell across parts of the region.

The Marston Fire in the Kootenai Complex north of Whitefish is at 7,000 acres and is 31 percent contained. Officials say fire behavior is minimal, with only smoldering observed.

Rain totals on the fire ranged from .60 to .70 inches. 

The danger to houses nearby has been reduced, officials say, but that could change if the weather warms and dries again. The eastern flank of the fire still has no containment line.

Crews will continue to monitor the area. A total of 152 fire personnel remain on the scene near Dickey Lake. A public meeting is scheduled for Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Trego Civic Center.

The Thompson Divide complex received more than an inch of rain over the weekend and some snow over 6,000 feet in elevation.

The complex consists of the Sheep and Granite Fires in the Flathead National Forest and the Thompson Fire in Glacier National Park.

All three fires have been determined to be lightning caused, burning more the 21,000 acres combined.

Crews planned to remove protective wrap from cabins and the Sheep and Granite fires will be monitored for any activity near the perimeters.