Single Publication

Trail Ridge Fire Update

October 14, 2022

Start Date: August 26, 2022  Cause: Lightning Size: 17,509 acres Type: 4   Completion: 78%

CURRENT STATUS

The Trail Ridge Fire is burning on the Wisdom District of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and the Darby-Sula District of the Bitterroot National Forest.

Yesterday, October 13, 2022, at 0800, the fire transitioned to Incident Commander Type 4, Josh Hansen.  Ian Fowler remains as Incident Commander Type 4 (t).  The fire is currently 17,509 acres.  Fire acreage has changed due to more accurate mapping from the Infra-Red flight last night.

The main objective for this fire continues to be firefighter and public safety.  Other primary objectives include keeping the fire from impacting private lands and values along Highway 93 and East Fork Bitterroot corridors utilizing point protection and indirect lines where needed. Suppression repair work will continue when and where fire behavior allows.

Most of the resources are on the north side of the fire where the fire has been more active over the past few days. Firefighters will continue suppressions of small spots. A Type 6 engine has arrived on the fire and will help with fire activity and suppression efforts. All remaining resources will continue to monitor the fire and look for opportunities for suppressions repair.  There is still an active fire area closure which includes Mink (FS 5763) and Meadow Creek Roads (FS725) and a portion of the Continental Divide Trail.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

A drying trend will continue for the next 14 days.  This will likely increase fire activity with smoke being seen from the Big Hole and Bitterroot Valleys. 

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSA

The most current Closure Order for the Trail Ridge Fire is effective as of 22SEP22 and can be viewed in full at https:// www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices

Trail Ridge Fire will be updated when significant events occur.