Press Release--Lindbergh Lake Fire 20% Contained
Incident: Lindbergh Lake Wildfire
Released: 7/22/2008
Lindbergh Lake Fire 20% Contained
July 22, 2008, Condon, Montana - Cooler temperatures coupled with higher humidity and a smattering of rain have helped fire crews keep the Lindbergh Lake Fire from spreading throughout the day and the fire is 20% contained. "We've had several challenges but everything seems to be falling into place. So far," said Cindy Super, Fire Prevention Coordinator and Public Information Officer from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). One challenge is the presence of the threatened plant species known as Water Howellia. The presence of this plant limits dipping sources for the helicopters doing bucket drops on the fire. Fortunately, the water sources closest to the fire don't contain this particular species. Another challenge is the extreme terrain where the fire is burning. Again, the cooperation of the weather and the efforts of fire crews have managed to keep the fire from crossing the ridge.
Currently there are two type-2 hand crews from Ronan, the Chief Mountain Hot Shots from Browning, 15 smokejumpers from Missoula, an excavator, two medium helicopters from the DNRC, and one heavy helicopter from the US Forest Service working on the fire. "Our plan is to use hand crews and go direct as much as possible," said Dave Poukish the Incident Commander. Crews will not work on the fire overnight due to the low probability of spread and the dangerous terrain.
The area around Lindbergh Lake, to include the campground and trail to Crystal Lake, remains closed to the public (see map of the closure area). There is an information center at the Condon Work Center which will be staffed from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
Visit http://www.inciweb.org/ for more information
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