Wilderness fire grows to 15 acres

A fire that is being allowed to burn in the Bob Marshall Wilderness for resource purposes has grown to 15 acres.

The lightning-caused Hammer Creek Fire was spotted Tuesday in the Big Prairie area about 40 miles south of Spotted Bear. It has since grown to 15 acres, and currently presents no threats to forest infrastructure.

"Right now we are monitoring it," said Melissa Wilson, a spokeswoman for the Flathead National Forest. "But we are allowing it to play its natural role on the landscape in the wilderness."

It was one of seven small fires sparked by lightning on the Spotted Bear Ranger District, five of them outside the wilderness area.

All of the other fires are no longer active. Northwest Montana is in its peak historical season for fires, so forest users are urged to use caution.

"Conditions are ripe for fire so we encourage people to make sure that their campfires are put out properly," Wilson said.