LIBBY – The Highway 37 fire burning near Libby has shown some slight growth and now stands at 51 acres.
Fire managers report the fire is human-caused fire and was started by discarded smoking material on July 19th.
The blaze grew slightly on Saturday, mostly toward Highway 37.
Crews are continuing to reinforce fire lines on flank and develop contingency lines.
Air resources are available to support suppression activities.
Fire managers are concerned as the fire is burning 1½ miles from the former WR Grace vermiculite asbestos mine.
The US Forest Service is taking extra measures to ensure employee health and safety from potential asbestos exposure.
The extra measures include personal protective equipment for firefighters to protect against potential exposure to asbestos-contaminated dust and ash.
