New Forest Fires Reported
While the lightning-caused Reynolds Lake forest fire has not grown beyond its 1,068 acre size, another series of lightning strikes started a small blaze six miles east of Paradise Campground in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. The Mt. George fire is about a tenth of an acre on a high, inaccessible ridge (see photo). Helicopter water-drops have been used to try to suppress the fire, which was discovered by a fire lookout this week.
To the west, in Idaho's Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, the Rattlesnake Creek forest fire, north of McCall along Highway 93, has spread into the forest and is now estimated at about 4,000 acres since its start on Monday. Cause of the fire is under investigation. A Type 2 Command team took over the fire fight Wednesday morning. Travelers on Highway 95 south of Lewiston are advised to avoid the area and not to stop along the roadway. Smoke will limit visibility there. Over 300 people are at that fire.
Not much to report from the Reynolds Lake fire at the south end of the Bitterroot Valley up the West Fork. Crews are working on spot fires and are also using helicopters to douse hot spots. The fire is 35 percent contained. Some personnel are being released from the fire lines, according to Tod McKay of the Bitterroot National Forest.
Fire danger is listed as High on the Bitterroot National Forest and Very High on the Lolo National Forest. Be CAREFUL with fire in the woods. Make sure your campfire is dead out when you leave your campfire.