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  • Missoula fire danger knocked back to "moderate"

    October 6, 2011 11:12 AM

    MISSOULA- There's one good thing about the rain that's been falling this week in western Montana- the wildfire danger has dropped considerably this week. The Missoula County Fire Protection Association says the heavy rain Wednesday, along with cooler temperatures, have reduced the fire danger for the first time since... more »
  • Bob Marshall trails re-opening as fires die down

    October 6, 2011 10:54 AM

    KALISPELL- Flathead National Forest managers are re-opening many of the roads and trails that have been closed for nearly two months after this year's late fire season. Trails in and around many of the larger fires, such as the Hammer Creek and Big Salmon Lake blazes, were closed for... more »
  • Bitterroot wildfires keep burning

    October 3, 2011 2:34 PM

    HAMILTON- Bitterroot National Forest officials report the thunderstorms that brought rain to the valley on Saturday night also packed quite a bit of lightning that sparked a quartet of new fires. The Forest's Tod McKay says that two of the blazes were spotted Saturday night on the West Fork... more »
  • Wildfire danger persists in Flathead County Play Video

    September 27, 2011 9:10 AM

    KALISPELL- Fire officials have lifted the Stage 1 fire restrictions that had been in effect in Flathead County, but after new fires broke out over the weekend, fire season is anything but over in northwest Montana. The Flathead Valley say a bit of rain last week which is good... more »
  • Wildfires keep burning in Northwest Montana

    September 26, 2011 1:00 PM

    KALISPELL- Despite cooler temperatures and some rain last week, wildfires continue to burn in the Flathead Valley and officials say several fires are still smoking and the potential for additional spread and growth remains a possibility. The Puzzle Fire burning on the Hungry Horse Ranger District is at 1,579... more »
  • Dry air fuels 41 Complex fires back to life

    September 23, 2011 1:57 PM

    HAMILTON- The 41 Complex fires heat back up in the Sapphire Mountains east of Hamilton. Thursday's dry, warm air encouraged flames to stoke up again and the weekend weather outlook prompted fire managers to extend road closures. The Montana Department of Transportation will move the Skalkaho Highway closure move... more »
  • Fire restrictions being eased in Western Montana

    September 20, 2011 9:18 AM

    MISSOULA- The recent moist weather that's hit western Montana has lessened the threat of wildfires, prompting West Central Interagency Wildland fire managers to cancel the Stage One Fire Restrictions beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday. The change effects Flathead, Lake, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Granite, Deer Lodge, Sanders and... more »
  • Saddle Complex fires holding steady

    September 19, 2011 3:21 PM

    HAMILTON- The Saddle Complex fire is holding at a little over 32,300 acres as it continues to burn in southern Ravalli County and neighboring Lemhi County Idaho. Left over moisture from the storm on Thursday night and high relative humidity has been helping to keep the fire smoldering and... more »
  • Saddle Complex fire holds steady

    September 16, 2011 1:03 PM

    HAMILTON- The Saddle Complex fire is holding at just over 32,300 acres as it burns away in the southern Bitterroot Valley and adjacent Lemhi County Idaho. Fire officials say they were helped on Thursday when the predicted strong gusty winds did not materialize. Clouds, cooler temperatures, light winds... more »
  • Smoke keeps aircraft grounded on Sapphire fires

    September 16, 2011 12:02 AM

    HAMILTON- A strong atmospheric inversion with heavy smoke keep helicopters grounded on the Up Top Fire in the Sapphire Mountains Thursday. But Bitterroot National Forest says crews continued to get work on the done to try and limit the spread of the fire onto private property. The Up Top... more »
  • Montana fire season: Short but costly Play Video

    September 15, 2011 4:29 PM

    HELENA- State officials say this year's fire season has been short, but has also been expensive and dangerous. State Forester Bob Harrington reports that as of Monday the state has responded to about 230 fires this season, a number that's down significantly from the five year average. But,... more »
  • Crews brace for winds at 41 Complex fire

    September 15, 2011 3:19 PM

    HAMILTON- Fire officials are gearing up for a change in the weather on Thursday that could bring wind gusts of up to 25 mph at the site of the 41 Complex fire burning near Hamilton. The blazes have burned a total of 11,480 acres and it's cost $3.4 million... more »
  • Saddle Complex fires burn over 32,000 acres

    September 15, 2011 1:06 PM

    HAMILTON- The Saddle Complex fires have now burned over 32,000 acres in the Southern Bitterroot Valley and adjacent Lemhi County Idaho. Over 235 people are still assigned to the blazes along with 11 engines and three helicopters. Fire managers report that the fire is still torching trees, but is... more »
  • Wildfires keep burning in Northwest Montana

    September 14, 2011 4:36 PM

    KALISPELL- Several fires are still burning away in the Flathead National Forest, prompting officials to shut down several trails in Northwest Montana. The Puzzle fire is currently 1,579 acres on the Hungry Horse Ranger District and is being managed by a Type III team. Fire officials report the blaze... more »
  • 41 Complex fires at over 11,000 acres

    September 14, 2011 1:29 PM

    HAMILTON- The 41 Complex fires have grown to over 11,000 acres and officials say the price tag to fight the blazes burning in the Sapphire Mountains is now at over $3 million. There are over 365 people along with 14 engines and three helicopters currently fighting the lightning-sparked blaze... more »
  • West Riverside fire nearing full containment

    September 13, 2011 4:38 PM

    BONNER- Firefighters working on the West Riverside Fire burning near Bonner are waiting until after the forecast wind events this week to call the blaze 100% contained. Hand crews, engines and some heavy equipment have been working on mopping up hot spots, reinforcing lines, and performing rehabilitation of some... more »
  • St. Mary Peak smoke appears closer than it is

    September 13, 2011 4:31 PM

    STEVENSVILLE - The Bitterroot Valley is getting a double-dose of smoke this week. The 41 Complex fires are burning to the east and an Idaho fire's smoke is spreading over the Bitterroot Range on the west side of the valley. The smoke is coming from the Storm Complex Fires... more »
  • Puzzle Fire near Glacier NP at 1,500 acres

    September 13, 2011 3:57 PM

    The Puzzle fire that's burning near Glacier National Park is sitting at 1,500 acres burns after being sparked by lightning on July 9th. The fire continues to actively burn in heavy timber and is spreading in all directions as strong winds have been hitting in the area of the... more »
  • 41 Complex fire grows to nearly 9,200 acres Play Video

    September 13, 2011 3:12 PM

    HAMILTON- The 41 Complex fire burning in the Sapphire Mountains outside of Hamilton is still growing and has now burned near 9,200 acres. The largest of the blazes is the Up Top fire which has blown across over 7,500 acres with fire officials reporting it has grown northeast toward... more »
  • Saddle Complex fires burning over 31,000 acres

    September 13, 2011 1:13 PM

    HAMILTON- The Saddle Complex fires burning in the southern Bitterroot Valley and adjacent Lemhi County Idaho have now consumed nearly 31,400 acres. Fire officials say that smoke cleared sooner on Monday than anticipated, which meant there was some more active burning in the areas of the fire that are... more »
  • 41 Complex fires burning 8,400 acres

    September 12, 2011 4:17 PM

    HAMILTON- The 41 Complex fires are now burning nearly 8,400 acres in the Sapphire Mountains east of Hamilton as windy weather continues to hit the area. Fire officials report that west winds have given the fires momentum to move toward the east, as evidenced by the acres gained on... more »
  • Puzzle Creek fire near Glacier NP burning 1,000 acres

    September 12, 2011 3:46 PM

    The Puzzle Creek fire burning near Glacier National Park has torched 1,000 acres since being sparked by lightning on September 9th. It is burning to the south of Bullshoe Mountain, toward Puzzle Creek, and east toward the Continental Divide. This fire is actively burning through heavy timber with... more »
  • Burnouts continue on 41 Complex Fire

    September 12, 2011 8:02 AM

    HAMILTON- Firefighters aren't giving an inch in their battle against the 41 Complex fire, using every tool at their disposal to keep the blaze from spreading further through the Sapphire Mountains. The blaze, which started when several lightning-caused fires combined last week, has now burned nearly 8,200 acres combined.... more »
  • Saddle Complex fires grow to over 30,000 acres

    September 9, 2011 2:31 PM

    HAMILTON- The hot and dry weather is continuing to fuel the Saddle Complex fires in the southern Bitterroot Valley with officials reporting that over 30,000 acres have now burned. Tod McKay with the Bitterroot National Forest reports that the blaze did not make any big runs on Thursday and... more »
  • FWP warns hunters, anglers of fire danger

    September 9, 2011 2:16 PM

    HELENA- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials are reminding hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts that the wildland fire danger is high with an increasing numbers of counties instating Stage I fire restrictions. Wildfires are burning on roughly 150,000 acres in Montana, according to InciWeb, the public website that... more »
  • 41 Complex fires keep growing near Hamilton

    September 9, 2011 1:24 PM

    HAMILTON- The 41 Complex fires burning in the Sapphire Mountains near Hamilton have now grown to over 7,000 acres burned and the largest of the blazes, the Up Top fire, has scorched over 5,600 acres and is still 0% contained. The fires continue to pour smoke into the Bitterroot... more »
  • Mop up continues on West Riverside fire

    September 9, 2011 12:14 PM

    BONNER- Firefighters are still working on the West Riverside fire, that's burning in Bonner by reinforcing firelines, mopping up hot spots and rehabilitating firelines constructed by heavy equipment during suppression efforts. Paula Short with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation reports there are still about 50 firefighters... more »
  • Weather keeping 41 Complex Fire from spreading faster Play Video

    September 8, 2011 8:18 PM

    HAMILTON- The 41 Complex Fire burning in the Bitterroot National Forest grew to more than 6,000 acres. The smoke will continue to linger in the Bitterroot Valley because of the temperature inversions and while the inversions may not be helping the air quality, but they are keeping the fire... more »
  • Saddle Complex fires keep growing

    September 8, 2011 4:27 PM

    HAMILTON- The Saddle Complex fires have added a few hundred more acres as the blaze continues to burn in the southern Bitterroot Valley and Lemhi County Idaho. Fire officials report that at last check around 29,600 acres have burned as nearly 250 personnel continue to fight the lightning-sparked fires... more »
  • 41 Complex fires near Hamilton keep growing

    September 8, 2011 12:45 PM

    HAMILTON- The 41 Complex fires burning in the Sapphire Mountains east of Hamilton continue to grow and are still sending smoke across Western Montana. Fire officials say the three blazes have now burned a combined 6.027 acres and 260 people are fighting the fires with additional personnel being requested.... more »
  • Logging equipment sparked Big Mountain fire

    September 8, 2011 10:57 AM

    WHITEFISH- Firefighters spent Wednesday afternoon mopping up the Hellroaring Fire that burned on the southwest side of Big Mountain Tuesday night. Crews responded to the wildland fire call just before 5 p.m. after the blaze was sparked by logging equipment that malfunctioned. Montana Department of Natural Resources and... more »
  • Lutz fire burning 1,500 acres

    September 7, 2011 2:48 PM

    PHILIPSBURG- This lightning-sparked Lutz fire burning 20 miles west of Philipsburg in the Sand Basin and Mount Emerine areas has grown to 1,567 acres, but fire officials say it's still contained in an area of the west face of Emerine Ridge. Fire officials have closed several trails in the... more »
  • Lightning sparks 2 Missoula County wildfires

    September 7, 2011 9:11 AM

    MISSOULA- A pair of wildfires sparked by lightning over the Labor Day weekend produced smoke visible to local residents and motorists on the Lolo National Forest. The largest fire is the Crater Creek Fire which is burning about 20 acres eight miles southwest of Tarkio. Meanwhile, the Little Shanley... more »
  • Crews quickly attack wildfire on Big Mountain Play Video

    September 7, 2011 8:16 AM

    WHITEFISH- Crews quickly attacked a fire burning on Big Mountain and with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation says the glaze could have caused some serious damage, a nearby resource helped crews extinguish the flames before it could spread. Stage 1 fire restrictions went into effect in... more »
  • 41 Complex fires cross Skalkaho Highway Play Video

    September 7, 2011 12:31 AM

    HAMILTON - The air quality in Hamilton went from bad to worse as the 41 Complex fires grew another 800 acres, fueling the total to 2,800 acres and burning everything in its path: including Skalkaho Highway. The Montana Department of Transportation closed a 16-mile stretch of Skalkaho Road from... more »
  • Saddle Complex fires see little growth

    September 6, 2011 4:56 PM

    HAMILTON- Fire officials say that the Saddle Complex fires burning in the souther Bitterroot Valley saw some "moderate" growth on Labor Day, adding about 240 acres. But, most of the fire activity happened inside the firelines. Fire managers lifted the Stage 1 Evacuation for all homes south of Painted... more »
  • Lutz fire now burning over 1,050 acres

    September 6, 2011 3:53 PM

    PHILIPSBURG- The lightning sparked Lutz fire burning south of Skalkaho Pass has grown to 1,066 acres. Fire crews are still working to to limit the threats to white bark pine, the Emerine electronics site, a heritage structure on the south side of Emerine Ridge and private property east of... more »
  • 41 Complex fires keep growing

    September 6, 2011 1:18 PM

    HAMILTON- Hot, dry and windy conditions on Monday helped to push the 41 Complex fires burning in the Sapphire Mountains east of Hamilton to over 2,800 acres burned. Fire officials report that the blazes grew by 800 acres on Labor Day and more burning is expected on Tuesday since... more »
  • Copper Mountain fire burning 574 acres

    September 6, 2011 12:37 PM

    PHILIPSBURG- The lightning-sparked Copper Mountain Fire burning 27 miles southwest of Philipsburg has grown to 574 acres. Fire officials say they are managing the blaze for resource benefit, so it will be allowed to burn. The blaze continued to burn actively on Monday due to the increase in temperatures... more »
  • Crews demobilizing from West Riverside fire

    September 6, 2011 9:41 AM

    BONNER- Managers are continuing to scale back operations on the West Riverside Fire burning above Bonner. The blaze still covers about 3,800 acres, but fire officials say it's now 80% contained. Crews will be pulling up stakes on the fire camp along Montana Highway 200 Tuesday. However, around... more »
  • Crews continue battling Saddle Complex fires

    September 5, 2011 10:21 AM

    HAMILTON- Firefighters are still trying to corral the Saddle Complex fires that are burning over 27,000 acres west of Hamilton. Over 240 people are assigned to battle the fires which were sparked by lightning in Lemhi County Idaho on August 10th. While the fires held fairly steady over... more »
  • More crews released from West Riverside fire

    September 5, 2011 9:30 AM

    BONNER- Fire managers report that more progress has been made on containing the West Riverside fire that's burning 3,800 acres in Bonner. The blaze is 75% contained with Operations Section Trainee Rick Moreno saying that, "overall the fire is looking really good." Sunday saw another 164 people released... more »
  • 41 Complex fires at nearly 1,100 acres

    September 2, 2011 3:31 PM

    HAMILTON- The 41 Complex fires burning east of Hamilton is at nearly 1,100 acres with about 100 personnel still assigned to battle the three fires. The lightning-sparked blazes were first spotted on August 28th and continues burning in heavy timber in the Sapphire Mountains. Crews are working to keep... more »
  • Saddle Complex fires hold steady

    September 2, 2011 1:00 PM

    HAMILTON- Fire officials report that the Saddle Complex fires burning in the southern Bitterroot Valley saw little growth on Thursday and a total of 26,415 acres have burned so far. Firefighters spent most of the day on patrol handling hot spots close to the fire perimeter and report that... more »
  • West Riverside fire cost continues to rise, containment in site

    September 2, 2011 11:21 AM

    MISSOULA- The most difficult fire to fight in Western Montana this year has now cost more than $4 million to fight. However, firefighters are making good headway against the West Riverside Fire east of Missoula, reaching the 60% containment mark Thursday evening. The fire, which started on the... more »
  • Crews mopping up Flathead wildfire

    September 1, 2011 2:45 PM

    KALISPELL- Wednesday's lightning storm caused a few fires in the surrounding mountains and a barn was struck by lightning off Helena Flatts Road. Fire crews are currently mopping up a fire near McGregor Lake that popped up Wednesday afternoon and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation plans... more »
  • Weather aids Saddle Complex firefighting efforts

    September 1, 2011 11:18 AM

    HAMILTON- Fire officials report that the Wednesday's cooler weather has helped to slow the spread of the Saddle Complex fires burning the southern Bitterroot Valley. The blaze held pretty steady Wednesday and has burned nearly 26,000 acres in the Bitterroot National Forest and adjoining Salmon-Challis in Lemhi County, Idaho.... more »

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