Lucy Brook fire slows down, but claims another 20 acres

Fire crews have gotten a handle on the Lucy Brook fire, which has been burning since Sunday, but the blaze did claim another 20 acres of White Mountain National Forest Tuesday.While the cause remains under investigation, Pat Nasta, spokesperson for the WMNF said the fire has slowed down considerably and as of Tuesday evening measured about 139 acres in size and about three miles around the perimeter. Twenty-seven Forest Service firefighters spent the day continuing to build fireline around the fire, patrol the line, and extinguish hot spots.Nasta said Tuesday's efforts were aided by a recon flight performed by JBI Helicopter Company out of Pembroke. The pilot was able to relay information about the spread of the fire and to pinpoint hot spots for attack by firefighters on the ground.The terrain is ledgey and rugged, and firefighters now report burning duff among the rocky upper reaches of the ridge.Incident Commander Dave Govatski, according to Nasta, has ordered a 20-person crew for Wednesday and expects the fire to be 100 percent contained by Wednesday afternoon. Predicted light winds for Wednesday are favorable for fire suppression.Forest Service law enforcement officers have examined the fire area and are continuing to investigate potential causes for the fire.