Crews tackle Swan Mountain Range wildfire

Flathead National Forest firefighters are battling a fire in a remote area of the Swan Mountain Range.

According to information from Flathead officials, the Lion Creek Fire was reported Tuesday, Aug. 11, burning in heavy timber and brush on steep slopes, about 6 miles east of Montana 83 and southwest of Swan Peak. Fire managers have not yet determined the cause.

The fire is burning approximately 1 mile outside the Bob Marshall Wilderness and 4 miles from Department of Natural Resources and Conservation land.

The fire was initially reported Tuesday morning at 4 acres, but by Wednesday had grown to 75 acres.

At 10:50 a.m. Tuesday, a Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation helicopter spotted the fire on its way to another fire assignment. The U.S. Forest Service immediately sent ground crews and helicopters for initial attack. Due to its remote location and no roads, it took ground crews approximately three hours to hike to the fire.

Once there, firefighters were only able to engage the fire in a limited manner due to falling snags and steep, rugged terrain, according to National Forest officials.

Helicopter resources were able to moderate fire spread, accessing a nearby lake for water and quick turnaround times.

The area is known for the development of nighttime thermal belt activity due to its location and elevation. Some nighttime burning activity is expected. Initial attack resources are working on securing the south flank of the fire and maintaining access on the Lion Creek Trail to allow backcountry users to leave the area.

On Wednesday, two additional hand crews, several advanced fallers and two helicopters were aiding in suppression efforts. The Lion Creek Trail area is closed, and nearby Forest Service roads are also closed as they have connector trails that come near the fire.

People in the Swan Valley may see some smoke, though right now fire managers expect that much of the smoke will blow east into the Bob Marshall Wilderness due to wind patterns.

The area is not heavily visited, but visitors to Van Lake, located 7 miles away, should be aware that Lion Creek Trail #25 is closed. People can map the fire location using the latitude/longitude 47 40.644-113 38.274.

The Forest Service expects this fire may require a longer duration response due to its location and the difficulties it presents with access, steep terrain, falling snags and heavy forest fuels.

This year, due to COVID-19, the Forest Service is using aggressive initial attack, supported by available air tankers and helicopters wherever possible to extinguish wildfires quickly and minimize the need to bring large numbers of firefighters together.

Fire managers understand the potential complications wildfire smoke may cause for COVID-19 patients and others with respiratory issues. The Forest will work closely with communities to assist with forecasting and preparation for wildfire smoke.

So far this summer, the Flathead National Forest has responded to 16 fires on Forest Service managed lands. This is the only one currently burning and is the largest fire in the Flathead National Forest so far this year.