Five wildfires continue burning in region

Firefighters continue on the scene of the Hammer Creek fire in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. 

Activity at the 140-acre fire Sunday was described as moderate by Flathead National Forest Acting Public Information Officer Melissa Wilson. Smoke jumpers are on the scene, she said.

The fire is still being allowed to play a natural role across the landscape, she said. If it gets close to trails or buildings, different firefighting approaches will be taken, Wilson said.

Some trails in the vicinity of the fire are closed, but informational signs are posted to inform hikers of closures. People may call the Spotted Bear ranger station at 758-5346 for specific trail closure information.

The South Fork Lost Creek Fire, southeast of Swan Lake, has burned about 250 acres of state and forest service land, Wilson said.

Fire officials are implementing a confine and containment strategy on the fire, utilizing resources and natural barriers to stop the fire from spreading.

Ground and air resources are both battling the fire and a type 3 incident command team is to assume control of the fire Monday, she said.

The 1.5-acre Kerr fire is controlled, but not considered "dead out," Wilson said.

The one-tenth of an acre Elya Creek fire, west of Hungry Horse Reservoir, is expected to be at the controlled stage by the end of the day Monday.

A fire on Peters Ridge near Strawberry Lake in the Swan Lake ranger district continues to pour smoke into the skies, Wilson said.

While that fire is on the forest, it's being managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources.

Helicopters were on scene Sunday, dumping water on the fire and smoke jumpers are also battling that fire, Wilson said.

"Conditions are here for fires," Wilson said. "Things are drying out. We encourage people to be very careful with their campfires and put them dead out."