WALLOWA — The 25-acre Bear Fire is burning about 12 miles south of Wallowa, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest reported in a news release Tuesday, Oct. 1.

Fire crews are responding to the lightning-caused blaze in the Eagle Cap Wilderness.

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

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

The fire is burning in steep, remote terrain between Bear Creek and Goat Creek and is predominantly smoldering and burning in downed logs and forest litter. The public can expect to see smoke and fire activity in the area while dry conditions persist across the region.

There are no 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 U.S. Forest Service at 541-426-5546.