Winds from a passing cold front are the main concern for firefighters at the Reynolds Lake Fire in the southern Bitterroot National Forest. Tod McKay of the Bitterroot Forest said winds are expected to gust up to 20 miles per hour, with continuing hot, dry weather. He said the acreage from Thursday to Friday did not increase, with the last reported size Friday morning at 1,067 acres. He reported that over 175 people are assigned to the fire with crews working on the heel and the flanks of the forest fire on the border of the Bitterroot and Salmon-Challis National Forests (see map). The fire has spread east and north. Helicopters and planes are dropping thousands of gallons of retardant and water.

Forest Road #044 to the Reynolds Lake Trailhead is currently closed to protect the public from potential harm from wildfires and firefighting operations associated with the Reynolds Lake Fire. For more information, please contact the West Fork Ranger District at (406) 821-3269

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