Single Publication

CURRENT STATUS
The Western Montana All Hazards Type 3 Incident Management Team took command of the Hog Trough Fire at 6:00 PM yesterday. Crews have been working to steer the fire into previously burned areas to the south where fire intensity will be lower. On the north and northwest flanks of the fire, the fire is contained and is now in patrol status.
 
Yesterday on the southwest flank of the fire, crews brushed and snagged the fireline along the Weasel Creek Trail to improve and secure the existing fireline before ceasing operations to attend to an injured firefighter. At approximately 2:40 PM, a firefighter working in the Weasel Creek Trail area, was struck by a falling tree and sustained non-life threatening injuries. The firefighter was transported to St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula for care. The firefighter was conscious and vital signs were good at the time of transport. No other injuries were reported. We wish the firefighter a speedy and full recovery. Today, crews will reconfigure in this area to assess hazards and risks.
 
To the southeast, hand crews held and improved fireline along the 8013 trail, which extends beyond the end of the 5071 road. With recent burning operations, this fuel break now has a depth from 50 to 150 feet form the trail. Today, hand crews will continue improving the trail.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
A mostly dry cold front will move through the area today bringing breezy southwest winds for much of the day. Wind gusts of up to 30 mph are possible with lightning. The fire area is still benefitting from recent heavy precipitation and fire behavior will be minimal.

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.

  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. 

  Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on all Bitterroot National Forest lands in Montana. See mtfireinfo.org for more specific restrictions information.