Favorable weather conditions assisted firefighters in managing the Condon Mountain Fire in recent days, leading to trails being reopened and resources being released. A “Ready” Stage 1 Alert” for possible evacuations was also lifted last week for all residents east of Highway 83 in the Condon area.
The wildfire is currently 5,265 acres and fire activity has been minimal with isolated interior backing fire, smoldering, and creeping.
According to the Flathead National Forest, the closed boundaries around the wildfire for public safety have been adjusted. The southern boundary of the closure is now Cooney Creek, with areas south of the creek now open. National Forest System Road (NFSR) 901 is now open and serves as the new western boundary of the closure. East Foothill Trail 192 is open. The Little Salmon Trail 29 is open to Smith Creek Pass from the east, but the Smith Creek Trail between the pass and the Smith Creek Trailhead remains closed.
It is prohibited to be on any national forest trail within the boundaries of the closed areas near the Condon Mountain Fire. For more information, contact the Swan Lake Ranger Station at (406) 837-7500.
The current Type 3 Incident Management Team is scheduled to transition to a Type 4 team on Oct. 11. The Flathead Hotshots and a helicopter are scheduled to demobilize tomorrow.