High Fire Danger & Fire Visible from Idaho
Hamilton, Montana (July 21, 2016) – Fire danger on the Bitterroot National Forest will move back to High starting tomorrow. To date, fire crews have responded to 9 human-caused fires and 10 lightning-caused fires. All fires, except the Observation Fire, have been extinguished.

“With our high temperatures and weather forecast, the Bitterroot National Forest is moving back to High fire danger starting on July 22nd,” said Forest Fire Management Officer Mark Wilson. When the fire danger is "high", fires can start easily from most causes and small fuels (such as grasses and needles) will ignite readily. Unattended campfires and brush fires are likely to escape. Fires will spread easily, with some areas of high-intensity burning on slopes or concentrated fuels. Fires can become serious and difficult to control unless they are put out while they are still small.

The Cedar Fire in Idaho, had smoke visible from the Bitterroot Valley this afternoon. This fire is located 23 miles northwest of Hamilton, burning in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness on the Nez-Perce Clearwater National Forest. This fire is currently estimated to be 50 acres.

Due to its relative remote location and its close proximity to previous years fires, long-term management of the fire is planned. The fire will continue to be closely monitored and actions taken, as necessary, to protect identified values at risk. Potential values at risk include the Elk Summit Guard Station, Kooskooskia trailhead, Graves Peak Lookout, Hoodoo Creek bridge and Bridge Creek bridge.

Information will be posted at the Lolo Pass Visitor Center, Elk Summit, Kooskooskia trailhead, the junction of the wilderness boundary and Forest Service road 360 and on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests website.

Visitors planning recreation activities in the area are encouraged to contact the Lochsa/Powell Ranger District at (208) 942-3113, to get the most up to date fire information.

For more information contact the Bitterroot National Forest at (406) 363-7100. Stay in touch with the Bitterroot National Forest through https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverBitterrootNF/ and www.twitter.com/BitterrootNF.