The lightning caused Lava Lake Fire continues to burn about one mile north of Lava Lake. The now five acre fire is burning in heavy, continuous fuels in a rock outcropping in severely steep and rugged terrain. Two aircraft worked the fire today to cool it down and there are four helicopter rapellers that continue working the fire from the ground. The rappellers are from the Gallatin National Forest.

Firefighter safety, given the lack of openings in the vegetation and the steep, rugged terrain that is inaccessible in some areas is the most important priority for managing this fire.

The popular Lava Lake Trail and the trail from Table Mountain that drops down to Lava Lake was closed to public use today, to address public safety concerns while the aircraft is working in the area.

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