Small fire near Whitefish Trail quickly contained Saturday
A helicopter with a water bucket scoops water from Skyles Lake and transports it to a small fire on Lion Mountain on Saturday Evening. (Matt Baldwin/Whitefish Pilot)
Fire crews quickly contained a small wildfire on Lion Mountain near Whitefish on Saturday.
The blaze was first reported at 7:19 p.m. and was located between the Whitefish Trail and Skyles Lake.
Montana DNRC and Whitefish Fire Department firefighters responded, along with a helicopter that scooped water from Skyles Lake to drop on the fire. The blaze was held to approximately 0.25 acres in size.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Smoke may still be seen for the next few days. Officials advised people to avoid the area to allow firefighters safe access.
The fire comes amid a heat wave that has cast near triple-digit temperatures in the Flathead Valley for the last two weeks. Officials warn that forests are dry due to the hot temperatures and wind.
Fire Danger is currently rated as high on the Flathead Forest.