One Bitterroot Forest Fire Is Out – Another Still Burning

The Little Rock Creek forest fire, discovered Saturday southwest of Lake Como, was controlled and then declared out by the four firefighters who rapelled into the area from a helicopter. The lightning-caused fire was less than a tenth of an acre.

Meanwhile, the Canyon Fire west of Hamilton remains at 3/10ths of an acre about 8 miles up Blodgett Canyon, between Blodgett Pass and Blodgett Lake. It was also discovered this weekend. Tod McKay of the Bitterroot National Forest said the eight firefighters are being assisted by a helicopter, so those around the canyon and hikers on the trails should be expecting helicopter traffic. There was no growth on the lightning-caused fire and fire crews are working to put it out. McKay said the fire danger on the Bitterroot remains at Moderate, but it is drying out. Make sure you are careful with campfires and make sure the coals are cool to the touch before you leave your campsite. There have been 30 lightning fires and 10 human-caused fires so far this year on the Bitterroot National Forest.