Small fire contained west of Kalispell; large fires threaten Missoula, Helena

A prompt ground and aerial attack quickly contained a small wildfire that cropped up Monday evening northwest of Kalispell.

Five engines along with a helicopter and four single-engine air tankers doused the 1-acre blaze in the area of Rhodes Draw and Bowser Lake. West Valley Fire Department, Montana DNRC, Flathead National Forest and Flathead County crews responded.

The cause of the blaze was under investigation, according to a release from the Montana DNRC. Crews planned to monitor the site over the next few days and people were advised to steer clear of the area.