Libby arsonist strikes again

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office initiated the Code Red broadcast system Friday, requesting the public’s help in identifying the person or persons responsible for a series of fires in the area. Code Red is an emergency broadcast “reverse 911” system implemented by the county’s Emergency Management Agency to help speed communications with the public in times of emergency.

Three new fires, all categorized as human-caused, were ignited in the Pipe Creek area of Libby Thursday evening.

The first fire was reported at approximately 6:30 p.m. immediately west of the Lincoln County landfill. A U.S. Forest Service helitack crew responded to the scene and contained the blaze before it could cause any significant damage.

The second fire was reported on the Bobtail Cut Off, roughly one quarter of a mile from the Bobtail junction, at 7:51 p.m. Crews from the Forest Service and Libby Rural Fire Department responded and contained the fire by 8:08 p.m.

The third fire, on Blue Creek Road, was reported at 8:17 p.m. The fire consumed a 10 feet by 10 feet area before it was contained, less than 20 minutes after the initial report.

Kootenai National Forest Fire Management Officer Dan Rose credited the Libby Rural Fire Department for their rapid response and coordination.

“Libby Rural, as always, was right there,” Rose said. “It’s been a good team effort and that makes all the difference.”

Law enforcement is requesting people immediately report any suspicious persons or activity.