Retardant drops from Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATS) were effective late Monday afternoon in preventing significant growth on the Ambrose Saddle Fire about 12 miles east of Stevensville on the Lolo National Forest. Public Affairs Officer for the Lolo National Forest, Boyd Hartwig says suppression efforts on the leading edge of the fire were successful in keeping the fire from growing well beyond 10 acres.

Although the fire is contained Hartwig says it’s hard to say when it will be fully out.

The fire was first reported Monday  afternoon and is likely a holdover lightning strike. Smoke from the fire is visible east of Highway 93 and from local communities south of Missoula.

Hotshot crews from both the Bitterroot and Lolo National Forests as well as additional firefighters from both forests will work today to establish hand-line on the north and northeast edge of the fire. Firefighters also began laying hose along the south end of the fire late yesterday. Two helicopters will also aid firefighters today with water drops along the fire perimeter and within the perimeter as needed.

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