Fire managers report that the Bear Creek Fire burning southwest of Dillon has grown to 8,500 acres and is 20% contained.
The fire has been burning in the Lemhi Pass Area about 30 miles east of Salmon, Idaho, since Aug. 11.
Resources assigned to the fire include seven helicopters, seven Type 2 IA crews, three Type 1 crews, 14 engines, and 453 total personnel.
Fire managers report that Thursday's fire behavior was relatively quiet, with single tree torching and surface fire in the areas with heavy dead and downed fuels.
On the northwest side, the fire continued to back down into the Bear Creek drainage.
The fire is burning in timber and heavy fuels and the area provides poor access and there is a lack of water in the immediate area of the fire.
Crews will work to protect cultural and natural resources and other values at risk.
Area, road, and trail closures are in effect. Lemhi Pass Road is closed from its junction with Montana Highway 324 to Lemhi Pass.
The public is strongly encouraged to refrain from entering the area/nearby road system due to heavy fire traffic. There are no official evacuation orders associated with the fire.
