Update on Active Wildfire Northwest of Seeley Lake, Montana

With hot, dry conditions expected to continue, here's hoping an aggressive, proactive approach keeps this one under control.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) reports that the 15-acre Colt Fire is burning in dense timber with heavy dead and downed fuels northwest of Colt Lake, approximately 15 miles northwest of Seeley Lake. It's been determined that it is a lightning-caused fire.

Lightning came through the area Monday, July 17. The fire was detected the morning of Tuesday, July 18. It is on land managed by the Lolo National Forest but under Montana DNRC protection. At last report, it is currently 0% contained. However firefighters are working the perimeter of the fire with chainsaws to create a break in fuels. Crew are also having success with aerial resources committed to the fire.

FIRE BEHAVIOR

The fire's behavior is described as, "Active torching and burning. The fire is located in a thermal belt and burned actively throughout the night Tuesday and Wednesday. Warm and dry conditions are expected to continue at least into early next week. High pressure over the area through the weekend will strengthen thermal belts, leading to poor humidity recovery overnight."

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES

The Montana DNRC says that no structures are threatened, no evacuations are in place, and no closures. However, fire managers request that the public avoid the Beaver Lake and Colt Lake areas where crews and resources are actively working.