The trail closure on the Kootenai Creek Trail, implemented to protect the public during the most active burning period of the Kootenai Creek Fire, has been lifted. 

Although fire managers expect some minor activity in the fire during the warming days ahead, extensive burning is not expected. 

Trail users are advised to use caution whenever hiking through burned areas. Regardless of the age of the burn, rolling rocks and falling snags can create unexpected hazards.

The closure of the St Mary's Lookout is also lifted. 

The lookout was closed to public use last week while restoration crews completed a number of repairs. The work is complete, and the public is encouraged to take the hike and admire the improvements while enjoying this near perfect hiking weather.

Lastly, the boat docks at Lake Como will be removed shortly. 

The docks are removed each year, as the water level in the reservoir drops. 

The Forest reported two new fire starts on Monday. The Smith Creek Fire, on the west side of the Stevensville Ranger District, is a human-caused fire that is approximately 1.5 acres in size, and burning in dispersed grass and timber on private land near the Forest boundary.  The Forest responded with one engine and seven fire fighters to support the efforts of the Victor Fire Department.

The Little Rock Creek Lake Fire is a lightning-caused fire located in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness on the Darby Ranger District.  The fire is estimated to be 1/10 of an acre in size and is smoldering in a patch of grass and forest litter on a talus field. 

The Forest is evaluating this fire to determine if it is a suitable candidate for a 'resource benefit fire' or a fire which can be managed to create benefits while minimizing unwanted risks.

The Kootenai Creek Fire continues to smolder and may become slightly more active as the days warm up. 

Updated mapping indicates this fire is approximately 1790 acres in size.