The Lawrence Mountain and Parsnip fires that were caused by lightning earlier this month continue to be managed under a confine strategy, Kootenai National Forest officials reported.

Both fires, west of Lake Koocanusa, are located on the Rexford Ranger District. The Lawrence Mountain Fire is located above 5,500 feet in the East Branch of Big Creek. Timber harvest and fuel treatment activities took place in that area during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Most of those activities consisted of regeneration harvests followed by prescribed burning.

Officials said the treatments have limited the spread and intensity of the fire, which on Monday was estimated at 400 acres in size.

The Parsnip Fire is burning on a north aspect in the Parsnip Creek drainage below a stand that was harvested and burned. As of Monday, it had burned three acres and was exhibiting minimal fire activity.

Officials said daily monitoring of the two fires will continue.

For public safety, an area closure has been established near Lawrence Mountain. The area will remain temporarily closed until further notice.  Lawrence Mountain Road No. 4874 and surrounding trails outside the closure area remain open but may be subject to temporary closures depending on fire activity.

For more information, call the Rexford Ranger District at 406-296-2536.