Fire crews continue to improve lines at Beeskove fire

The Beeskove fire burning in the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area north of Missoula has now burned 232 acres, and fire managers are preparing for challenging weather conditions.

Fire managers said containment remains at 0 percent and no structures are threatened at this time. Firefighters continue to take advantage of the conditions and improve indirect lines constructed on the west and southwest sides of the fire.

The size of the fire and its location in steep, rugged terrain continues to limit the opportunity for ground forces to engage the fire directly. Helicopters remain available to support fire crews to slow the fire’s growth.

The public can expect to see an uptick in traffic on Rattlesnake Drive and in Bonner during the morning and afternoon when firefighters and heavy equipment are driving to the staging areas to begin operations. The area closure remains in place for the Rattlesnake Recreation Area.

Smoke may be visible from the upper Rattlesnake area, Missoula, Bonner, Potomac, Greenough and Seeley Lake. There are 193 personnel assigned to the fire including four Hotshot crews.