Hotshots work fires west of Kalispell

Hotshot crews on Friday worked to improve a fire line along the northern border of the 1,145-acre Lazier Creek 3 Fire burning west of Kalispell.

The lightning-caused fire is now 35 percent contained, with about 300 personnel on the scene. Active surface fire was observed on Friday with group tree torching, spotting and occasional short uphill runs.

Aircraft were dropping water on hot areas to aid the firefighters on the ground.

The Lazier Creek wildfire is one of five burning along Highway 2 near the Thompson chain of lakes that has drawn a response of 417 personnel.

The Rogers Mountain Fire, 3 miles northwest of Happy’s Inn, is at 78 acres and is 60 percent contained.

The Grubb Fire is 16 acres and is now 100 percent contained, while the NW Meadow Peak Fire is 12 acres and 95 percent contained. A smaller 4-acre fire nearby is 80 percent contained.

Due to the fire activity, the Thompson River Road remains closed at the junction with Highway 2 south to the 28 mile marker.

Hot temperatures and lower relative humidity is forecast to return to the area through the upcoming weekend. There is potential for isolated thunderstorms with dry lightning.

If there is enough warming to increase instability, a few storms around Glacier National Park could become strong with gusty winds and hail, according to the National Weather Service. Lightning-caused wildfire starts are possible.