Officers at the Montana DNRC offices say field units have reported more than 70 new fire starts over the weekend, most caused by lightning.

But despite those hot, dry, conditions around the state officials say they haven’t seen too many large fires thanks to aggressive initial attacks.
But this week’s weather could spark some more fires. DNRC Information Officer Paula Short says crews are ready.

“The scattered thunderstorms may bring precipitation but more than likely not, so fire mangers are going to be ready of course we have positioned resources throughout the state, to be prepared to try to get to those fires as soon as possible and get them out as quickly as we can,” said Short.

The DNRC is currently managing one large fire: the Skibstad Fire in Stillwater County. They’re also assisting with several other large fires in the Lewistown area.