New wildfire flares up near Dixon

A new wildfire cropped up early Monday morning west of Dixon on the Flathead Reservation.

The Magpie Rock Fire was estimated at 100 acres and was 0% contained, according to information from C.T. Camel, fire prevention specialist with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ Division of Fire. The fire was likely started by lightning, officials said, and an investigation is underway. It was burning through trees on steep and rocky terrain in the Magpie Creek drainage south of Montana 200.

No evacuations were ordered and no structures were threatened as of Monday.

Multiple aircraft, two engines, dozers and a 20-man initial attack crew were on the scene Monday, and more resources were ordered.

Road closures included Revais 6000 road between Revais and Magpie, and Magpie 5000 road. People are asked to stay out of the area and adhere to road closures.

Meanwhile, the Clear Creek Fire north of Perma Bridge along Highway 382 was totally contained prior to the weekend. That fire was believed to have been sparked by heavy equipment in a rock quarry. It burned about 345 acres.