Local fire crews battled two wild fires Tuesday in south Lincoln County near Libby that originated from strong winds.

According to information from the Kootenai National Forest, the largest was a 2.7 acre blaze nearly seven miles up the Flower Creek drainage. 

Public Information Officer Larona Rebo reported the Flower RX Fire was from a holdover pile burn from last October, that held through the winter and with the winds, began to creep around and pick back up. 

The fire did remain within the project unit. Both the Forest Service and Libby Volunteer Fire Department responded. The Forest Service sent one engine, one water tender and two squads  of firefighters.

The Florence Fire, located northwest of Libby, was contained to one-quarter acre by LVFD and Forest Service crews. It began after a tree fell on a powerline.

Strong winds Tuesday caused power outages in a few south Lincoln County areas.

Flathead Electric spokesperson Dillon Tabish said there were seven customers without power in the county, including six in Libby and one near Happy's Inn. Service was restored to customers later that day.

Also, the Forest Service has a number of prescribed burns planned or in progress, depending on the weather and fuel conditions.

Cabinet Ranger District

Rexford/Fortine Ranger District

- Thursday, April 9: crews will be working on a 36-acre unit of the Dead Triangle sale area. Located along Hwy 93, between Dickey Lake and Murphy Lake. Smoke may be visible from Hwy 93 and surrounding areas.