New restrictions on campfires or smoking on public lands start Monday in parts of NW Montana. The Stage II restrictions come as the state faces a severe drought, more hot weather ahead and firefighting resources stretched thin.

Some health officials worry COVID-19 cases could increase among the unvaccinated as people head indoors to escape hot, smokey weather.

The National Interagency Fire Center reports there were 5 new fire starts in Montana on Monday, prompting minimal initial attacks by federal, state and local firefighters. Two of the fires were contained or controlled by late Monday. Evacuation warnings and orders are in effect in some areas.

The Northern Rockies Coordination Center reports 16 new fire starts in Montana. The largest of the new fires is the 600-acre Anderson Hill Fire in southwestern Montana’s Granite County.

Firefighting resources are stretched to capacity and there’s no end in sight to the hot and dry conditions fueling the 2021 wildfire season.

The Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office has issued an evacuation order for all 17 houses in the Alder Creek area as a nearby wildfire burns south of highway 43 and the Wise River. Critical fire conditions are occurring in southwest and central Montana, and burn restrictions go into effect across northwest Montana.

Updated 7:12 p.m. July 14, 2021 Beaverhead County Evacuations Eight homes were evacuated Wednesday near the wise river south of Highway 43 as the Alder Creek Fire burns with 0% containment in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Beaverhead County Sheriff Paul Craft tells Montana Public Radio the eight houses were evacuated on the south side of Highway 43 between Alder Creek turnoff and mile marker 62. Craft says more evacuations are likely Thursday.

Updated July 13, 2021 6:13 p.m. Burnt Peak Fire Kootenai National Forest fire officials say a pre-evacuation notice is in place for North Fork Keeler residents due to the Burnt Peak Fire burning over 900 acres southwest of Troy. Officials say the fire is now within two miles of structures and heavy equipment is being used to improve access for firefighters.

Updated 07/12/21, 6:30 p.m.

Updated 12:31 a.m., July 11, 2021. The Missoula County Sheriff’s office issued an evacuation warning from the Idaho border to Lolo Hot Springs late Saturday night due to the emerging Lolo Creek Fire. The three-to-five-acre wildfire is located between mile marker one and two approximately one mile away from highway 12. Police say if you are traveling along highway 12, do not stop. Deputies are notifying residents and visitors along highway 12 of the evacuation notice. Multiple helicopters are on