Fire Crews Wrap Montana Tower in Foil for Protection

Fire crews are wrapping the landmark Blue Mountain Lookout in foil to protect it from an encroaching fire.

The Missoulian reports the Lolo Creek Complex is just one drainage from the lookout and observatory.

To the southwest, a 500-kilovolt Bonneville Power Administration power line is threatened, while two miles in the other direction are hundreds of homes in Lolo.

Workers began wrapping the 41-foot tower and building in foil on Monday. Fire officials say every bit of wood has to be covered to keep the structure safe from flames.

The building was originally installed in the Sapphire Mountains in 1957. U.S. Forest Service workers moved it to Blue Mountain in 1966.

The Lolo fires are 60 percent contained after burning 17 square miles.