Condon fire still actively burning

The Condon Mountain Fire continues to burn actively, growing from about 150 to 283 acres on Thursday and Friday.

“We expect to see additional activity in the Dog Creek drainage, on the north flank of the fire,” said Andrew Johnson, a Forest Service public information officer.

The fire has not escaped indirect containment lines, and one major goal is keeping the fire from creeping downslope toward cabins and homes in the Swan Valley. The fire is burning high in the Swan Range in steep and rocky terrain about four miles northeast of Condon.

“Our direct attack has been from the air, our groundwork has been geared to contain it,” Johnson said.

One helicopter is assigned to the fire, along with a 20-person hand crew.

With more hot weather in the forecast, the fire is expected to exhibit significant growth through the remainder of the week, particularly during afternoon and early evening burning periods.

Because of concern regarding the fire growing downslope, a meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sunday in the Swan Valley Community Hall in Condon to provide the public with information on the status of the fire, suppression efforts and its long-term outlook.