The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and the Montana DNRC are fighting the Elk Creek Fire 20 miles southwest of Philipsburg in the Elk Creek drainage. It is burning on 99 acres. Most of that is private land with a smaller part on Forest Service land. Firefighters pinned down the eastern edge and are working on the northern and southern edges and working towards the west. Authorities say dead grass from last year, a lot of snags and many beetle-killed lodgepole pine are driving the flames. Hot temperatures and wind gusts are the main concerns. One hot shot team, a helicopter out of Hamilton and more are fighting the fire.