Firefighters struggle to contain growing forest fire on Idaho/Montana border

Courtesy U.S. Forest Serivce
SALMON — Firefighters are still working to gain control of a growing forest fire near the Idaho and Montana border.
The Bear Creek Fire has grown to nearly 4,000 acres since it started Tuesday. It’s burning in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest just east of the Lemhi Vally and Salmon. With weather conditions on Wednesday preventing air support and direct firefighter contact with the fire, officials report zero containment of the blaze as of Thursday morning.
Today, officials expect near critical fire weather conditions with gusty winds and relatively low humidity. This means the already burning fire can spread quickly and be difficult to contain. They report the fire is burning trees, downed logs, limbs and other heavy fuels that burn slower than brush.
In preparation for the day, firefighters yesterday worked on trying to build a fireline ahead of the advancing fire and look for potential places to stop the fire.
Additionally, the U.S. Forest Service and additional firefighters worked with ranchers to remove livestock from the area.
The fire has closed several areas, including a 37-mile trail closure from Lemhi Pass to Bannock Pass on the Continental Divide Trail. Lemhi Pass Road is also closed from Brenner Lane to the Idaho border. Additional local closures are in effect.
At the scene of the fire are eight helicopters, 139 personnel, and air tankers are on standby as needed.
Officials reported the cause of the fire as a lightning strike.
Source: eastidahonews.com