New fire west of Kalispell at 300 acres

Lightning storms over the weekend have resulted in more fires being detected on the Kalispell, Plains, Swan and Libby units of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. It is now estimated that there have been 34 new fires in these areas since Friday evening.

The two largest fires under DNRC fire protection are the Peoples Creek Fire that is now estimated at 100 acres and the Tamarack Fire estimated at 300 acres.

The Tamarack Fire is burning in timber west of Kalispell and north of the Thompson Lakes area along U.S. 2. The fire was first sized up at about 15 acres but grew to 300 acres in 24 hours. A Type 2 team has been ordered and will take over command Monday morning.

A Type III team is scheduled to take over management of the People’s Creek Fire. That fire is burning east of Libby along the Fisher River south of Jennings.

A red flag warning was issued through Sunday evening. Cooler breezy conditions are expected for much of the week.