Lightning keeps firefighters scrambling in Bitterroot National Forest

The lightning storm that passed over the Bitterroot National Forest Sunday afternoon left a lot of unwelcome calling cards.

The Forest Service said there were seven reported fires across the forest from late Sunday afternoon that have not been located.

Lightning has kept fire crews scrambling.

New lightning-caused fires in the past 24 hours include the 1/4-acre Laird Creek Fire.

The Forest Service said initial attack resources included one initial attack module, one Type 3 helicopter and one Type 2 helicopter.

Crews will complete handline and begin mop-up Monday.

The Whiskey Gulch Fire is 8 acres. Initial attack resources included two Type 2 helicopters, one Type 3 helicopter and three initial attack modules.

Firefighters will continue improving handlines and begin mop-up Monday.

Previously reported fires include the Cuneo Point Fire, a 25-acre lightning-caused fire. It's burning in steep, rocky terrain in the White Cap Drainage of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area in Idaho.

There are no landing areas or other safe access.

It will be monitored by air patrol.

Currently, there are no values at risk or impacts to the trail system in the area.

The Storm Creek Fire is at 14,940 acres and is burning 1.15 miles west of the Montana-Idaho border and 14.5 miles west, northwest of Victor.

The Forest Service reminds everyone that fire danger remains extreme.

Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect for all lands administered by the Bitterroot National Forest in Ravalli and Missoula Counties, including the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Areas.