Regional wildfires continue to burn
The Lolo fire, started by lightning on July 15, is currently estimated at 45,012 acres and is 31 percent contained. It is located about 10 miles southwest of Lolo, Montana. A storm front contributed to active burning through the night. Fire managers said the fire has potential to threaten Highway 12 and private property and structures along that route. A large portion of the fire along the southwest, south, and southeast perimeter has not yet reached containment lines. There are several active fires burning in Idaho today. Two of the biggest are on the Payette National Forest. The Highline fire is estimated at nearly 68,000 acres and Payette Wilderness fires are estimated at 65,611 acres. The Highline fire began by lightning on July 28. It is burning entirely within the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness about 23 miles northeast of Warren, Idaho. It is being allowed to play its natural ecological role, while fire managers prepare plans should the fire reach an “action point”. The Chamberlain Airstrip has been closed due to the Highline fire burning in the immediate area. The next largest fire is the lightning-caused Hanover fire in the Gospel Hump Wilderness on the Salmon River Ranger District of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. It was estimated at 23,333 acres. The Ibex fire reported minimal growth Monday. Firefighters are working along the Custer Motorway preparing hand lines. The fire size remains at 14,503 acres. 35 personnel and a helicopter are assigned to the fire on the Salmon-Challis National Forest.
