Stage 2 fire restrictions in place in Mineral County

Rumbles of thunder were an unwelcoming sound throughout Mineral County around 3 a.m. on July 18. Going on a three-week stretch of 90-plus degree temperatures and no precipitation, Thursday morning's early hour lightning strikes sparked several fires around the mountains of St. Regis and Superior.

Within 10 minutes of the rolling thunder, St. Regis’ fire siren signaled and the Beacon Hill fire was discovered just northeast of town. Starting early on July 18, multiple resources including engines and heavy equipment arrived on scene. The fire was approximately 1 acre. Helicopters were able to make multiple buckets drops and with quick response crews were able to get 100% containment by the days end. Firefighters created a control line around the perimeter and worked on mopping up residual hot spots in the fire’s interior.

The half-acre lightning caused Miller Draw fire began on July 19 located three miles northeast of the Beacon Hill fire, and east of St. Regis, has also been contained.

In Alberton the Bible Lane fire quickly started on July 19 one mile east of town. One structure was lost and the fire was reported to be around 23 acres by Saturday evening. By July 20, firefighters finished saw lines around the perimeter of the fire. Assets on scene comprised of four engines, two water tenders, one hotshot hand crew, and a 20-person hand crew. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Saturday afternoon on July 20, at approximately 4:30 p.m. the Dry Creek Fire was found near in the Ann Arbor and Fourth of July Gulch area. As of Sunday July 21, the fire is reported at two acres and the cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

On Friday, July 19, the Lolo National Forest entered stage 2 fire restrictions on Friday. This includes all National Forest System lands administered by the Lolo National Forest in Granite, Missoula, Mineral, Powell, Ravalli, and Sanders Counties in Montana, except for the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, including the Scapegoat Wilderness, which are not included in or affected by this order.

Under stage 2 rules people are permitted to use devices with an on/off switch that use LPG fuels, in a three feet diameter area clear of flammable materials. Smoking in a vehicle, in a building or in a three feet diameter clear of flammable materials. Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads and trails is also permitted.

Not allowed: Building maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire. Between 1 p.m. and 1 a.m. operating any internal combustion engine, welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame. No fireworks, exploding targets, or other explosives (never allowed on public lands.)

As of July 21, so far this year there have been more than 35 fires reported in Lolo National Forest Lands.