BY KAREN BOSSICK

Firefighters plan to conduct burnout operations from defense lines constructed northwest of Redfish Lodge complex today as they continue to fight the Bench Lake Fire. The fire is a half-mile from the Redfish Lodge complex and has made a run toward the iconic Redfish Lake.

Firefighters are on the ground to protect Redfish Lodge during the burnout operation, which they hope to tie into Fishhook Creek. Hoses, sprinklers and water pumps have been deployed around the historical buildings and other structures, and crews have been removing fuels with chainsaws along the Fishhook Creek Trail system.

Hotshot crews are on site to suppress any spot fires. Those in the area should be prepared to see a large smoke column from the effort. Smoke has been drifting mainly East.

The fire made significant runs to the northwest on Mount Iowa and to the northeast towards the Point Campground on Tuesday, according to Stanley Mayor Steve Botti.

The fire which started Thursday, July 11 between the second and third Bench Lakes, now has a 1,275-acre footprint. Currently, 259 firefighters are on the scene, added by helicopters and cooping aircraft. A community meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at the Stanley Community Building.