MISSOULA — Storms that brought over 200 lightning strikes to the Lolo National Forest late Tuesday and early Wednesday are being blamed for starting a trio of small wildfires in Mineral County.
Crews are actively responding to and suppressing three new, small lightning fires near Boyd Mountain on the Superior Ranger District about four miles west of St. Regis, according to the Lolo National Forest.
In addition, a human-caused wildfire has been reported near Haugan.
Engines and firefighters are on scene and one helicopter is conducting water bucket drops on these fires as needed. Minimal fire behavior was being observed as of early Wednesday afternoon.
The east side of the Lolo National Forest is under "very high" fire danger while the west zone -- including the Superior and Plains-Thompson Falls Ranger Districts remain in "high" fire danger.
