Single Publication

CURRENT STATUS 
On the west side of the fire, crews are completing hose lays from Hog Trough Creek up the ridge from the 77 trail. Crews continue chipping along the 711 road. To the north, a fire module is monitoring and patrolling the fire with help from aerial resources. Heavy equipment on the fire’s east side has completed constructing line. Crews are finalizing removal of hazard trees. Aerial resources are also assisting crews with moving gear and equipment around the fire area, through “long-line” missions.

Fire managers are working to scale down the number of resources on the fire, in response to decreased fire activity and increased completion of goals. Northern Rockies Team 5 will be transitioning to a smaller fire management organization towards the end of this week.  
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR Today is a weather transition day, as the potential for widespread thunderstorms could bring heavy rain, erratic outflow winds, lightning, and a small amount of hail. Up to two tenths an inch of rain may be possible in the fire area While fire behavior could moderate with increased cloud cover and higher relative humidity, gusty outflow winds may result in an increase in fire movement in areas not receiving any precipitation. The risk of lightning causing new fire starts is also possible. Creeping and smoldering are likely to be the predominant fire behavior activities in the fire area, with most of the activity on the fire’s southern corners. The fire is struggling to find receptive fuels for more active fire behavior such as spotting and movement. The threat of thunderstorms will likely continue through Saturday.  
CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES 
Road Closures: Skalkaho Highway (Highway 38) is open.  Skalkaho Road (Forest Service road 75) and Forest Service road 711 are both closed at the junction of Skalkaho Highway, including the ancillary roads leading from the 711 Road. Skalkaho Road is open past Mile Marker 5 (Skalkaho Creek-Jerry Lake Trailhead #503). Forest Service roads 5070 and 5071 are closed.  
Trail Closures: Railroad Creek, National Forest System Trail #77 to Trail #313 at the gate.  Weasel Creek, National Forest System Trail #156 from milepost 0.00 at its junction with NFSR #461. A section of the Bitterroot Rock Creek Divide Trail #313, National Forest System Trail #313 where it intersects Trail #77 Railroad Creek, Weasel Creek Trail #156.  Skalkaho Creek – Jerry Lake Trail #503, National Forest System Trail #503.