Thunderstorms spark fires

A quick thunderstorm last Wednesday resulted in a handful of wildfires throughout Sanders County.

In the Plains-Thompson Falls Ranger District, the Silcox Park Fire just north of Thompson Falls was caused by lightning. The Forest Service reported that the fire creeped into piles of debris, but crews worked quickly to contain the fire at about half an acre.

Another fire in the Thompson Falls area was also caused by lightning. Multiple resources, including helicopters, responded to the Wilkes Creek Fire south of Prospect Creek Road. Firefighters worked to keep the fire under an acre and the Lolo National Forest reported the fire was 100% contained as of Monday morning.

Two fires in the Hot Springs area are being managed by the CSKT Division of Fire. The Mill Pocket Fire, located north of Lonepine just inside of Sanders County, was caused by lightning and on Monday was listed at 153 acres with 10% containment. The Sullivan Fire 8 miles northeast of Hot Springs burned more than 100 acres and was 40% contained. CSKT reported that no closures were in place for either fire and no structures were threatened.

Near Paradise, crews were quick to respond to a small lightning-caused fire in the Henry Creek area.

Sanders County remains under Stage II fire restrictions. This restrictions include:

* Campfires and other fires are prohibited.

* Liquid petroleum and propane stoves that can be turned on and off are allowed.

* Smoking is prohibited outside of vehicles, buildings and developed recreation sites, unless you are in a 3- foot diameter area cleared of all burnable vegetation.

* Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails is prohibited.

* Operating any equipment with an internal combustion engine, welding, operating a torch with an open flame, and/or using explosives is prohibited from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.