Ten miles Southwest of Hamilton a fire that is believed to have started from a lightning strike is quickly spreading. The fire near Lost Horse Observation Point was first reported on Friday June 24 and has continued to grow ever since said Stephanie Israel of the Bitterroot National Forests Office.

“We originally reported about between one to five acres and then with some substantially sustained winds on Friday about 40 mph, that drove it to what was originally estimated at about 25 acres,” Israel said. “As of Saturday we were able to get some more accurate mapping on it and its now currently at about 200 acres.”

The territory where the Observation fire is burning makes firefighting particularly difficult.

“Its burning extremely deep almost inaccessible terrain that proven a challenge,” Israel said. “In terms of containment I’d say we’re only at about 5 % but that’s not necessarily negative indications. “We have lots of resources on it. We have all four helicopters doing water drops, a couple of hot shot crews, a hand crew and some engines as well, all supporting it locally.”

Currently the road to the Lost Horse Observation Point and Camas Lake trail remain closed while firefighters try to contain the fire. Check for updates and road closures near the fire here.

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