Lightning causes new fires on Salmon-Challis National Forest

Several new fires were started by lightning on the Salmon-Challis National Forest over the weekend. The 3-acre Mowitch fire was reported on the Middle Fork Ranger District near Indian Creek. The 1-acre Jesse Fire was reported on the Salmon-Cobalt Ranger District between Jesse and Pollard Creeks. The half-acre Ajax fire was located near Ajax Peak on the North Fork Ranger District. The .1 acre Cliff fire was started by an ATV, which had caught on fire, on the Lost River Ranger District on Mine Hill. Two new lightning fires were reported Sunday. The .1-acre Big Deer fire just outside the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness was discovered on the Salmon-Cobalt Ranger District. There are two firefighters on the scene. The Milk fire is currently estimated at 10 acres. It is staffed with 18 firefighters. The Ajax, Jesse, Cliff and Mowitch fires are all out. Fire danger is moderate on the Salmon-Challis National Forest.