HAMILTON- Fire officials report that the Wednesday's cooler weather has helped to slow the spread of the Saddle Complex fires burning the southern Bitterroot Valley.

The blaze held pretty steady Wednesday and has burned nearly 26,000 acres in the Bitterroot National Forest and adjoining Salmon-Challis in Lemhi County, Idaho.

Fire managers say that the change in weather should give firefighters a chance to make more progress securing strategic areas while also reducing the chance of the blaze spreading when the winds pick up again.

A fireline toward the old Blue Nose Lookout was built on Wednesday and ground crews have been working on clearing old roads east of Beaver Creek and toward Horse Creek Pass so they can be accessed if they're needed for fire suppression efforts.

Tod McKay with the Bitterroot National Forest reports that four helicopters will be available to support ground crews on Wednesday and that fire managers are preparing for the expected arrival of a dry cold front that's is expected by the end of the week which could produce windy conditions.

More than 275 people are assigned to the Saddle Complex fires and 67 residences are still considered to be threatened. Fire officials have also completed setting up a fire camp.

(photo courtesy inciweb.org)