The lightning-caused fire that broke out July 27 about 18 miles northwest of Stanley in the Cape Horn area has more than doubled in size.

On Thursday, fire crews battled winds of 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 45 mph and focused on keeping the fire from spreading toward Idaho 21. The fire spread to the north, east and southeast, the U.S. Forest Service reports.

“It has been pretty windy,” Bruce Palmer with the Forest Service said Thursday afternoon. “The fire is putting out a pretty good column. It has put on some growth today.”

The U.S. Forest Service will hold a community meeting to discuss the fire at 7 p.m. Friday at the Stanley Community Center.

About 200 personnel, including seven hand crews, five engines, and three helicopters battled the fire Thursday. Potential for growth is listed as high, and the expected containment date is Oct. 16.

On Tuesday, fire officials instigated an emergency area closure for the Cape Horn area.

The following campgrounds are closed due to the fire: Beaver Creek Campground, Beaver Creek Camp Spur, Lola Creek Campground, Lola Camp Spur A, Marsh Creek Transfer and Josephus Lake.

The Boundary Creek launch site and the entire Middle Fork River Corridor are open.

Cynthia Sewell: 377-6428, Twitter: @CynthiaSewell