Single Publication

CURRENT SITUATION & PLANNED ACTIONS
Heavy equipment and masticators continue improving and constructing indirect fuel break (by clearing dead and down vegetation) along Forest Road 711A towards Railroad Creek, and on Forest Road 5071 towards Forest Road 5070. Firefighters improved and successfully held control line as easterly winds shifted fire towards the line. Fire personnel will continue scouting for containment opportunities to the North and South, including the use of previous firelines from the 2022 Hog Trough Fire.
On the west side of the fire, hose lay and sprinklers are still being used by hand crews to support suppression efforts. A corduroy bridge was built near Crystal Creek Campground for heavy equipment to cross and prevent streambed impacts. A corduroy bridge is made by placing logs, perpendicular to the direction of the route. Fire personnel are addressing various spot fires towards the south. Helicopters to support operations on both ends of the fire area .

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Cooler temperatures and higher humidity is forecasted, with precipitation moving in for the weekend. There is potential for thunderstorm development.
Smoke may be visible from various fires in the region, for more information visit www.airnow.gov or www.montanawildfiresmoke.org.

CLOSURES
The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and Bitterroot National Forest issued an emergency closure of roads and trails (Closure #02-08-23-19) effective July 25, 2023. This Order is for public and firefighter safety during fire suppression efforts of the Bowles Creek Fire. See the following link for a complete listing of the roads and trails listed in the closure: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices/?aid=81818. Closure information and maps are posted on the Forests’ website and the fire’s Inciweb page as they are in place.
The Skalkaho Pass Road remains open. Those recreating or traveling in the fire area are encouraged to be aware of the situation and reduce speed due to increased fire traffic.