WALLOWA — The 25-acre Bear Fire did not grow overnight and is still smoldering about 12 miles south of Wallowa, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest reported Wednesday, Oct. 2.

About 10-15 firefighters are on the ground to protect the Bear Creek Guard Station, which is about 1½ miles from the lightning-caused blaze in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, said Brian Anderson, district ranger at the Wallowa-Whitman’s Joseph office.

The fire was spotted in mid-September and is being managed to protect values at risk, such as private property and Forest Service buildings, while minimizing risks to firefighters.

Dry conditions and low humidity increased fire activity Monday making smoke visible in the Wallowa Valley.

Anderson said he expects the fire to continue to emit smoke for a while yet.

“Until we get a good shot of moisture, I expect it’ll be putting up some smoke,” he said.

The fire is burning in steep, remote terrain in a roadless area between Bear Creek and Goat Creek and is predominantly smoldering and burning in downed logs and forest litter. For that reason, Anderson said, no vehicles can be brought to the scene. The only equipment brought to bear is from the air.

The public can expect to see smoke and fire activity in the area while dry conditions persist across the region.

There are no forest or trail closures currently in effect, but the public should check on the most current conditions before traveling into the backcountry by calling the Wallowa Mountains office of the Forest Service at 541-426-5546.