Bob Marshall fire grows in size

The Flathead National Forest is monitoring a wildland fire that cropped up Sunday in the heart of the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

The fire, likely sparked by lightning, had burned an estimated 400 acres by Monday morning, but after an afternoon overflight it was estimated at 800 acres, and it was putting off a smoke column easily visible from the Flathead Valley.

The fire is most actively burning on the north and west of Kid Mountain in the Gordon Creek drainage about 18 miles southeast of Condon.

“We are not taking suppression actions. We are monitoring fire activity and monitoring trail closures,” said Hans Castren, wilderness manager for the Spotted Bear Ranger District.

The fire is being left unchecked so far largely because it is burning in dense timber deep in the wilderness. But Carsten noted that at some point, suppression activities could be directed at certain parts of the fire.

“There are a number of past fires in the area and it’s anticipated that once it burns into those the rate of spread will decrease,” Carsten said.

He said it’s possible that efforts may be undertaken to protect some historic cabins in the area, but they are not currently threatened.

The fire has prompted the temporary closure of several backcountry routes: the Gordon Creek Trail from the Westside Trail to Shaw Creek Trail; Cardinal Creek Trail; Cardinal Peak Trail; Kid Mountain Trail; Pilot Peak Trail and the Cabin Creek Trail.