Fires west of the Divide were mostly quiet today, with cooler temperatures and precipitation helping to keep them in check.
Firefighters are responding to two new fire starts visible along Highway 200 east of Paradise. Sanders County officials say firefighters have kept the fires under a half-acre each. Crews from around the area are on scene.
Firefighters working the lightning caused 960 acre Lone Star Fire in Yellowstone National Park say they have it half contained.
Monday’s mild temperatures and light precipitation helped the 49 fire personnel prepare protection around historic buildings, communication equipment and power lines in Old Faithful Village.
Park officials report all entrances to Yellowstone are open.
The Northern Rockies Coordination Center reports there were six fire starts statewide on Monday, two of which were reported out on the same day. The cooler temps helped to keep fire starts to a minimum.
Critical fire weather conditions are expected through midnight Wednesday for two-thirds of Montana. High temperatures, low relative humidity, lack of precipitation, dry fuels and shifting winds with gusts up to 55 mph are expected to contribute to erratic fire behavior and new fire starts.
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