Canyon Creek Fire is Visible from Hamilton

An apparent lightning-caused fire west of Hamilton began to burn in the Thursday afternoon heat.

Helicopters took 8 heli-rappellers to the steep, rugged ridge line between Canyon Creek and Blodgett Canyon. Another helicopter is making water drops, according to Tod McKay of the Bitterroot National Forest.

The fire has been putting up smoke, easily seen from Hamilton. When first spotted, the fire was about a tenth of an acre.

Motorists and recreationists should avoid the area.

The fire is one of 9 new lightning-caused wildfires on the Bitterroot from a storm Wednesday afternoon. McKay said firefighters are at most of the fires, all of which are less than 2 acres in size.

The fires:

Ward Mountain - 4 firefighters.

Dam Creek on the Darby district - 7 firefighters.

Frog Pond on East Fork near Chain of Lakes - Helicopter water drops.

Tin Cup - near Tin Cup Trail and Goat Lake - Helicopter water drops.

Lost Horse - near 12 Mile Lake - Helicopter water drops.

Two Bear - near Sleeping Child and Two Bear Creek - 5 firefighters and an engine on site.

East Fork - Near East Fork trailhead on Sula district - 5 firefighters and an engine on site.

Buck Horn - near Buck Horse Saddle and Gird Point - 10 firefighters and two engines.

Be aware of fire equipment on the roads leading to the fires. KLYQ will have updates on line and on the air at 1240 AM.

Categories: Missoula News