Single Publication

CURRENT STATUS
The Central Montana Type 3 Incident Management Team led by Incident Commander Shane Martin took command of the Hog Trough Fire at 6:00 PM on Saturday evening. Today, crews will continue chipping operations along the 75 Road. A Wildland Fire Module will work on the southwest flank of the fire, building and improving fuel breaks while also seeking opportunities to directly engage the fire. To the north and east, crews will patrol to monitor for hotspots and collect critical daily fuel moisture information. Keeping the fire south of the 711 road system and west of the 75 road remains the primary objectives.
With storms producing a significant amount of lightning strikes in the last few days, resources will remain available to respond to any new fire starts in the area that may result from holdovers.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Today will be slightly sunny skies as drier air filters into the area. Conditions will trend warmer and drier with occasional breeziness this week. This warm, dry, and breezy weather will result in elevated fire weather conditions through much of the upcoming week. Fire behavior is expected to continue as creeping and smoldering over the fire area, however little fire growth is expected beyond the current perimeter. 

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES
Skalkaho Highway (Highway 38) is open. 
Road Closures:

• 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. 

• 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.