New wildfire reported in Mission Mountains Wilderness

A 100-acre fire in the Mission Mountains Wilderness was discovered late last week after dry weather allowed it to flare up.

The Cedar Peak Fire was caused by lightning from a storm several weeks ago, fire managers believe, but remained relatively dormant until the drier weather allowed it to become active.

The fire is located in remote, rocky and steep terrain east of Cedar lake and about five miles west of Montana 83.

Firefighter safety is key for the incident command team, so because of the fire’s remote location in steep terrain with no structures at risk, the fire is being managed “to play its natural, ecological role in the wilderness area,” U.S. Forest Service notes said.

Forest visitors are encouraged to avoid using Trail No. 738 between the Fatty Creek Trailhead and Cedar Lake.