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BIGFORK — The Piper Fire — located in the Piper Creek drainage within the Mission Mountains Wilderness — remains active after two weeks, but is limited to 11 acres at this time.

Lightning sparked the Piper fire on the evening of Aug. 5, and within the last week, the Piper Fire has experienced two dry cold fronts. On Aug. 18, wind speeds averaged 5-10 miles per hour with gusts as high as 37 miles per hour out of the east to northeast direction. On Aug. 22, wind speeds averaged 5-10 miles per hour with gusts as high as 26 miles per hour out of the west to southwest direction. With the warmer, dryer, and windier conditions, fire activity has increased, but fire spread remains up drainage away from values at risk.

Currently the fire activity is characterized as backing, creeping, smoldering, and isolated torching. Although the fire activity has increased, fire growth has been minimal.

The Piper Fire is burning in steep, dangerous, and inaccessible terrain. Due to firefighter safety, the Piper Fire is being managed with a confine and contain strategy. Fire managers have a plan in place to take action on the fire when ground resources can safely mitigate the hazards. Currently crews are monitoring the fire closely. With the warmer, drier, and windier conditions, forest visitors and residents can expect to see smoke within this area for the next four to six weeks.

For public safety, the Piper Fire Area closure remains in effect until rescinded.