-Submitted photo

The Lick Creek Fire, shown here on July 9, grew moderately on Sunday, July 11, gaining approximately 8,703 acres, according to the USFS. Extreme dryness and high temperatures causes all fuel types–grasses, foreest litter and downed trees–to readily accept fire. As fire behavior and weather allow, crews are burning out to consume fuels along FS Road 42 near Iron Springs Road, working toward Clearwater lookout, to strengthen the containment lines. In anticipation of increasing westerly winds later in the week which may push the fire eastward, firefighters are scouting to locate alternate fire lines along the eastern flank of the fire.