WALLOWA — The Bear Fire near Wallowa has been more accurately measured at 40 acres, according to a Forest Service official.

Brian Anderson, district ranger with the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, said Friday, Oct. 4 that the initial estimate of 25 acres was done from a helicopter. Since then, he said, crews on the ground have reported the fire’s size at 40 acres.

He said there are still 10-15 firefighters on the ground, mostly to protect the Bear Creek Guard Station, which is about 1½ miles from the lightning-caused blaze in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The fire is burning in steep, remote terrain between Bear Creek and Goat Creek. Since the fire is in a roadless area, no trucks or other vehicles can access the blaze. Most of the firefighting is done by the ground crew and a helicopter.

Anderson said the fire is still producing smoke from burning downed logs and forest litter. He said it will likely continue to produce smoke until a good downpour extinguishes it to put an end to fire season.

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 at 541-426-5546.