Crews love the rain

but firefighters weren't so happy with the wind

Friday night's cold front was a mixed blessing for firefighters in Northwest Montana.

While crews appreciated the rainfall, winds and lightning were less welcome.

"Last night it got a little rough and windy," fire information officer Ema Braunberger said.

A brief thunderstorm passed through the Brush Creek Fire area, bringing gusty wind with it, she said. Once the thunder and lightning passed, the wind died down.

The rain, however, remained. Half an inch fell on the fire Friday night.

"It was exciting," Braunberger said. "We were glad to see it coming."

The fire, 23 miles southwest of Whitefish, was contained this week at just under 23,000 acres. Crews are focusing on rehabilitation.

Little rain fell Friday night on the Chippy Creek Fire near Marion. The northern perimeter saw about a quarter inch of rain; only one-tenth of an inch fell on the southern edge.

There was one spot fire on the northeast perimeter, but crews took care of it and are mopping up, fire information officer Gary Hoshide said.

The 99,090 fire is estimated at 92 percent contained. Full containment is expected Monday.

Crews on both fires expect calm weather for the next few days. Another cold front is predicted for Tuesday, Hoshide said.

Strong winds meant limited helicopter flights at the Skyland Fire south of Marias pass Saturday, but things are "still looking real good," fire information officer Bob MacGregor said.

"Over the last two days, the number of smokes has gone down quite a bit," he said.

Friday night rain helped, although less than one-tenth of an inch fell on the Skyland Fire. Even that limited amount was useful, however.

"It helped take the flammability out of those big fuels," MacGregor said.

There is a fire weather watch for the fire today, due to warmer temperatures, wind and low humidity. On Wednesday, crews expect another cold front.

The fire is sized at 45,760 acres and is 75 percent contained.

There were three new fires on the Flathead National Forest Saturday, all caused by lightning. The fires were small, and thanks to limited fire activity elsewhere, crews were able to get on them right away, Braunberger said.

One fire is located in the Island Unit south of Tally Lake. Another is on the back side of Big Mountain in the Hungry Horse Ranger District. The third is in the Rock Creek area. Further details were unavailable at press time Saturday.

Reporter Kristi Albertson may be reached at 758-4438 or by e-mail at kalbertson@dailyinterlake.com.