Campground and Trails Remain Closed: Rain Helps Firefighters Close in on Lindbergh Lake Fire

CONDON - Three days after a wildland fire broke out at Lindbergh Lake firefighters have got it 60-percent contained.

The Lindbergh Lake Fire was reported at one in the afternoon on the 21st, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Lindbergh Lake Campground and all trails to Crystal Lake remain closed as firefighters hand dig the fire line on the steep slopes.

“Really, the only way to get the line dug is with hand crews,” says Department of Natural Resources and Conservation spokeswoman Cindy Super. “There just isn’t any way to get heavy equipment on those slopes.”

Fire Behavior Specialist from Flathead National Forest Brad Gillespie says the cooler temperatures and rain go a long way in aiding the containment efforts.

In all, 200 people are reportedly working on the 104-acre fire near Condon. One type one hand crew and one type two hand crew are working the line along with 15 Missoula smokejumpers. Initial attack on the fire came from the lake and the air. DNRC helicopters from Missoula and Helena dropped buckets of water and a retardant tanker made drops at the head of the fire. Boaters out on Lindbergh Lake pitched in and helped shuttle crews and equipment across the lake.

The DCRC does not expect the fire to grow today, and plans to reinforce fire lines and set up a wet line from Bunyon Lake today.