A lightning-caused wildfire near the Elk City Wagon Road on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest has grown to about 350 acres.
Officials say the Midnight Fire was about 15 to 20 acres in size Tuesday morning. But winds pushed it between two old burns — the 2005 China Point Fire and the 2015 Little Baldy Fire —where it consumed abundant subalpine fir.
Firefighting traffic is expected to be heavy on the road, as well as the Lightning Creek Road.
Smokejumpers and hand crews are being aided by air support from helicopters and air tankers.
A Type 3 Incident Management Team is expected to take over management of the fire and officials say the fire could impact travel along the Elk City Wagon Road in the future.
