Lighting sparks small fires in Lincoln Valley

Lighting that moved through the area on the evening of June 3 caused two small fires near Lincoln that required a response by firefighters.

Bill Cyr with the Montana DNRC reported at the June 4 Lincoln Government Day that one fire was on the McInnis property along the Blackfoot River, near Highway 279. The second was near Moon Drive in the Lone Point area.

Cyr said they also had reports of two other fires, but had no information on them.

One was reportedly in the Stemple Pass area.

Lincoln Fire Chief Zach Muse told the BVD Monday that Lincoln Fire Rescue responded to the fire at McInnis’s, but turned it over to DNRC once it was controlled.

“The (seasons) first lighting strike fires. Kind of foreboding,” he said.

Despite the recent snow and rain, Muse said conditions are pretty dry, outside sheltered areas. He said the lack of lasting wet heavy snow over the winter has made the heavy fuels more receptive to fire.

“It could be bad if we don’t get any more rain,” he said, noting that the last rain storm only put down just an 800th of an inch of water.

Cyr said it's important for people to call 911 if they see a suspected fire. “When we’re having a lightning storm, we’re very active. If you see something, try not to call Zach or myself. Call 911."

He also said it's not necessary to call in lightning strikes, since they are already aware there is a storm going on. However, he said it is important to report active smoke following a strike.