The Observation Fire 10 miles southwest of Hamilton has now burned over 971 acres as wind pushed it north Wednesday afternoon and evening. Crews are working on the eastern flank of the fire and 66,000 gallons of retardant has been dropped along that line to keep the flames high on the mountain face.

Crews also burned out an area of Lost Horse Canyon near the gravel pit yesterday to secure the southern flank along the north side of Lost Horse Road. (in photo, burnout is on the left)

Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor Julie King and Darby Ranger Eric Winthers updated the Ravalli County Commissioners Thursday morning and introduced the Northern Region Type 1 Incident Commander Doug Turman. His team will take over operations Friday morning.

All evacuation warnings are still in effect from Lost Horse to Gold Creek Loop. Lost Horse Road and the Lick Creek Road between Lost Horse and Lake Como are closed.

Lake Como remains open, including the beach and the trail around the lake.

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