Nine fires sparked by lightning

The Kootenai National Forest as of Wednesday had nine fires started from recent lightning activity.

The largest was a 15-acre fire in the Quartz Creek area six miles northwest of Libby. About 30 to 40 people were fighting the blaze with bulldozers, water crews and helicopters.

The next biggest fire covered about an acre on Robinson Mountain in the Yaak.

More than 25 fire starts were reported across Northwest Montana by Flathead and Kootenai National Forests, Glacier National Park, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, and rural fire departments in Flathead, Lake, Lincoln and Sanders Counties.

Most were small.

Stage I fire restrictions continue for the region including everywhere within Flathead and Lincoln Counties.

The restrictions mean campfires are allowed only in developed or improved campgrounds and recreation sites. Camp stoves or gas grills are allowed in other areas. Smoking is allowed only in enclosed vehicles or buildings, developed recreation areas or in areas of at least 3 feet in diameter that have been cleared of flammable materials.

In related matters, the 83-acre Little Spar Lake Fire near Ross Creek is about out.

Sparked by lightning, the fire was detected on July 26 and initially attacked by Three Rivers Ranger District personnel, helicopter crews and smokejumpers. It was located about a mile northeast of Sawtooth Mountain.