Fire burns 600 acres near Hot Springs

Despite summer thunderstorms and rain showers dousing the region over the weekend, a few wildfires are active across Western Montana.

The Buddha Ranch Fire was burning 9 miles southwest of Hot Springs. As of Monday it was 600 acres and considered fully contained. No structures were threatened.

The lightning-caused fire was first reported July 31.

About 40 firefighters were on the scene as part of a Type 4 team.

The Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District had one small fire crop up over the weekend. 

The Barktable Fire was northeast of Thompson Falls in the Barktable Creek drainage. The fire is less than an acre and was contained as of Saturday.

On the Superior District, the Second Creek Fire was 6 miles east of Lozeau. The fire is less than an acre and was contained, as well.

Other fires on the Lolo National Forest included:

Missoula Ranger District:

Howell, one and a half miles south of the Butte Cabin Trailhead in the Rock Creek drainage. The fire is estimated at three acres and is burning in steep, rocky terrain in mixed conifer. Two engines and a 20-person crew are on scene. A helicopter has been ordered. Smoke is visible from the Rock Creek area.   

Miller Gulch Fire, located 2.5 miles southwest of the Butte Cabin Trailhead, is approximately 2.5 acres.  The fire is contained

Ninemile Ranger District

Beaver Slough, six miles south of Tarkio in the Fish Creek drainage. The fire is burning in steep, remote terrain. Due to last night’s lightning storms, fire personnel are actively working to regain access to the fire area this morning. The fire is less than an acre.

Garden Creek, eight miles south Alberton in the Petty Creek drainage. The fire is less than an acre and is contained.

Helean, five miles south of Tarkio in the Fish Creek drainage. The fire is less than an acre and is contained. 

West Mountain, five miles northwest of Alberton and two miles south of Stark Lookout. The fire is less than an acre and is contained.

Seeley Lake Ranger District:

Auggie, two miles north of the town of Seeley Lake on South Rice ridge. The fire is less than an acre and is contained.