Start Date: 26AUG22
 Cause: Lightning
 Size: 17,157 acres
 Type: 4/5
 Completion: 65%

CURRENT STATUS

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

 

Incident Commander Zach Lee is currently reporting this fire to be 17,157 acres. An InfraRed acreage mapping mission has been requested and when that request is filled, acreage for this fire will be updated on InciWeb. You can find this incident on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8365/

 

Recent warming and drying weather conditions resulted in more activity on this fire yesterday, resulting in visible smoke to the communities of Sula, as this fire burned in areas of green timber. This fire has not breached the containment lines nor Management Action Points established by Fire Personnel.

 

Fire Leadership and crews are working to address hot-spots on the fire, strengthening containment lines, and monitoring for any changes in fire behavior.

 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Continued warm and dry conditions are forecast for tomorrow, with a high of 80 and variable, light winds. It is expected that the fire will have similar fire behavior tomorrow.

 

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

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

  Type 3 Management Organization

INCIDENT COMMANDER: Jay Wood

 September 23, 2023

Trail Ridge Fire

Fire Summary

Approx. 5 miles SE Sula, MT

Approx. 11 miles NW of Big Hole National Battlefield

Size: 17,157 acres Completion: 60%

Personnel: 55

CURRENT STATUS

Yesterday’s fire activity was minimal fire growth mainly on the north flank of the fire in the 4B Drainage. Spread has slowed due to wet weather patterns.  The fire perimeter is still within the indirect containment lines and crews are monitoring fire behavior in this area and continuing suppression repair efforts.

Crews continue to patrol and monitor fire behavior and minimize the potential for fire impact. Slash hauling is expected to conclude on Meadow Creek Road today.

Today’s weather, there will be a chance for some fog in the lower elevations of the fire. Winds turn westerly behind a departing trough of low pressure with a shift to northwesterly winds later in the day. Expect gusts to around 25 mph after noon. Winds will stay elevated on Saturday. The ridge will become established by Sunday. Temperatures will be warmer than normal through the middle of next week.

                                                                                                                                       

TRAIL RIDGE CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

The area closure has been rescinded and has been condensed to Meadow Creek Road, Mink Creek Road, and a portion of the Continental Divide Trail. See closure map.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are no longer in effect on all Bitterroot National Forest Lands

 

Specific closure information can be found at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8365

Public Information Officer                                                                                                    Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

(541) 350-4666 NEW PHONE                                                                                                                   Bitterroot National Forest

 

 

 Type 3 Management Organization

INCIDENT COMMANDER: Jay Wood

 September 21, 2022

 

Trail Ridge Fire

Fire Summary

Approx. 5 miles SE Sula, MT

Approx. 11 miles NW of Big Hole National Battlefield

Size: 17,157 acres Completion: 50%

Personnel: 140

CURRENT STATUS

Yesterday’s fire activity was mainly on the north flank of the fire in the 4B Drainage but poses minimal concern. Spread is expected to slow down with the upcoming weather.  The fire perimeter is still within the indirect containment lines and crews are monitoring fire behavior in this area, as well as continuing suppression repair efforts.

Crews are close to concluding chipping operations along the Mink and Meadow Creek roads near the 2017 Myers Fire Burn Area. On Forest Service Road 106 crews continue to monitor fire progression and minimize the potential for fire impact. Slash hauling will continue down the Meadow Creek Road.

FIRE WEATHER AND BEHAVIOR

East winds will be present near the fire on Wednesday, as wetting rains arrive from the south late in the afternoon. There will also be a brief window of thunderstorm chances Wednesday afternoon and evening. High chances of wetting rain Wednesday night through Thursday. Winds will shift to the southwest and become gusty on Thursday afternoon, with thunderstorms chances returning briefly. Daytime humidity will increase significantly from Wednesday to Thursday.

TRAIL RIDGE CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

• See the Fire Area Closure Order Map for Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Bitterroot National Forest

• See the Fire Area Closure Order Map for the Bitterroot National Forest

• Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are no longer in effect on all Bitterroot National Forest Lands

 

Specific closure information can be found at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8365

Public Information Officer                                                                                                    Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

(541) 350-4666 NEW PHONE                                                                                                                   Bitterroot National Forest

IMT3 Incident Commander:  Jay Wood

Sept. 20, 2022

   

Trail Ridge Fire

Fire Summary

Approx. 5 miles SE Sula, MT

Approx. 11 miles NW of Big Hole National Battlefield

Size: 17,157 acres Completion: 48%

Personnel: 162

Current Status 
Yesterday the fire area experienced warm conditions in the morning followed by isolated thunderstorms with high winds in the late afternoon.  Fire activity has been on the north flank of the fire and mainly in the 4B Drainage.  The weather today will be sunny and moderate fire activity is expected again.  The fire perimeter is  still within the indirect containment lines and crews are monitoring fire behavior in this area as well as starting suppression repair efforts.

Crews will continue work along the Mink and Meadow Creek Roads, chipping brush from the indirect lines near the 2017 Myers fire burn area.  On Forest Service Road 106, crews continue to monitor fire progression and minimize the potential for fire impact.

Transfer of command from CMT3, Shane Martin IC, to IMT3 Jay Wood IC took place  Monday, September 19, 2022, at 1800.

FIRE WEATHER AND BEHAVIOR
Today will be mostly sunny with a slight chance fore precipitation over the fire area.  The next chance for precipitation is forecasted for Wednesday through the end of the week with greater confidence of a wetting rain than previously predicted.

TRAIL RIDGE CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

• See the Fire Area Closure Map for the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Bitterroot National Forest

• See the Fire Area Closure for the Map for the Bitterroot National Forest  

STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS ARE NO LONGER IN EFFECT ON ALL BITTERROOT NATIONAL FOREST LANDS

 

 

 

 

  Public Information Officer (541)350-4666 NEW PHONE                                                                  Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest                                                                                                                                                      Bitterroot National Forest

 

Trail Ridge Fire

 

Fire Summary

Approx. 5 miles SE Sula, MT

Approx. 11 miles NW of Big Hole National Battlefield

 

Size: 17,084 acres Completion: 48%

Personnel: 164

 

CURRENT STATUS

Yesterday the fire area experienced warm conditions in the morning followed by isolated thunderstorms with high winds in late afternoon. These weather conditions allowed for the fire to remain more active, similar to the previous few days, and smoke was visible from the East Fork Road and Hwy 93. Most fire activity has been on the north flank of the fire and mainly in the 4B Drainage. The weather today will be sunny and moderate fire activity in this area is expected again. The fire perimeter is still within the indirect containment lines and crews are monitoring fire behavior in this area. 

Crews have finished work along Meadow Creek Road on indirect line and road prep near the 2017 Myers Fire Burn Area. On Forest Service Road 106 crews continue with suppression repair work, crews are removing branches and small trees that were cut and moved when the fuel break was created using a chipper and other methods to disperse material and reduce the impacts of suppression work. 

FIRE WEATHER AND BEHAVIOR

Today will be mostly sunny with little chance for precipitation over the fire area. The next chance for precipitation is forecasted for Wednesday through the end of the week with greater confidence of a wetting rain then previously predicted.
 

TRAIL RIDGE CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest ·       See the Fire Area Closure Order Map for Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest   Bitterroot National Forest ·       See the Fire Area Closure Order Map for the Bitterroot National Forest ·       Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect on all Bitterroot National Forest Lands

Trail Ridge Fire

 

Fire Summary

Approx. 5 miles SE Sula, MT

Approx. 11 miles NW of Big Hole National Battlefield

 

Size: 17,084 acres Completion: 47%

Personnel: 158

 

CURRENT STATUS
Yesterday warm and sunny weather returned to the area causing an increase in visible smoke along the East Fork Road.  The moisture received over the fire area during the last week has continued to help moderate fire behavior, but with the increased sun exposure and wind yester the fire did experience some movement within the 4B Creek Drainage.  The fire perimeter is still within the indirect containment lines constructed and crews are monitoring fire behavior at this time.  An IR flight was not available last night to record the change in acreage, but Fire Managers estimate about a 30 acre increase in this area.  Fire Managers have been prepared for this uptick in activity and have plans and resources (Hotshot Crews, Helicopters, heavy equipment, etc.) in place in anticipation of increased fire behavior.
 
Crews continue to work along Meadow Creek Road on indirect line and road prep near the 2017 Myers Fire Burn Area.  On Forest Service Road 106, crews continue with suppression repair work, crews are removing branches and small trees that were cut and moved when the fuel break was created using a chipper and other methods to disperse material and reduce the impacts of suppression work.  

FIRE WEATHER AND BEHAVIOR
Today there is only a slight chance for isolated rain showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon.  Tomorrow there is a greater chance for precipitation, accompanied by high winds with gusts up to 25 MPH.  The chance for moisture will greatly increase later Wednesday or Thursday.  

TRAIL RIDGE CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES TRAIL RIDGE CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
   See the Fire Area Closure Order Map for the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Bitterroot National Forest 
    See the Fire Area Closure Order Map for the Bitterroot National Forest
    Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect on all Bitterroot National Forest Lands 

 

 

Trail Ridge Fire

 

Fire Summary

Approx. 5 miles SE Sula, MT

Approx. 11 miles NW of Big Hole National Battlefield

 

Size: 17,070 acres Completion: 30%

Personnel: 216

 

CURRENT STATUS

Yesterday fire behavior continued to be moderated by cool and wet weather and minimal movement was observed. Smoke was more visible as the fire continues to burn in heavy dead and down timber within the fire’s perimeter. The precipitation over the past few days has been beneficial to slow the fire’s progression and with the expected moisture over the weekend and early into next week conditions are predicted to maintain current fire behavior. The fire remains near Mink Creek Saddle and Shultz Saddle Road on the northern flank. Crews continue to work on road prep and indirect line construction along Meadow Creek Road to meet the 2017 Myers Fire fuel break. On the southern flank the fire remains north of Hogan Cabin and work on the indirect line is nearing completion and crews are creating a plan for suppression repair work at this time.

The minimal smoke and fire behavior seen over the last couple of days are helpful in firefighting containment efforts. With this weather break crews have not slowed the work to construct indirect line in the event of another warming drying trend. Fire Managers are working to be prepared for this possibility until a season ending event occurs.

The fire is still within containment lines and has not reached the Action Point identified for the ‘Warning’ stage of the Evacuation Plan at this time. As the fire nears this Action Point, Fire Managers and the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Department are prepared for the possibility of moving into this ‘Warning’ stage, although, this is unlikely at this time. For more information on the Ravalli County Evacuation Plan visit the Ravalli County Sheriff’s website at https://ravalli.us/622/Evacuation-Guidelines.

FIRE WEATHER AND BEHAVIOR

Precipitation is predicted to continue through the weekend. Isolated thunderstorms could develop later in the afternoon today with a chance to see nearly a quarter of an inch of rain with the thunderstorms today. Tomorrow could be slightly warmer and drier due to a shift in winds but conditions will not see a great enough change to fire behavior drastically.

TRAIL RIDGE CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest ·       See the Fire Area Closure Order Map for Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest   Bitterroot National Forest ·       See the Fire Area Closure Order Map for the Bitterroot National Forest ·       Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect on all Bitterroot National Forest Lands

Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, Goat Mountain Two Fires Thursday October 6, 2022

Update – 8:00 AM                  Northeast Oregon Type 3 Team   NOTICE:  This will be the last update from the incident team.   Highlights: Weather has gradually warmed and become drier each day after the cool and moist conditions last weekend. Very little change in fire behavior and spread has been observed despite the warmer and drier conditions. Fire crews will continue to monitor the north end of the Double Creek and Sturgill Fires for hot spots and use aerial bucket drops when terrain and weather safely allow.  The Type 3 team will transition to two Type 4 Teams on Friday, 10/7.   Double Creek Fire: 171,530 acres, increased 33 acres | 89% contained | 155 personnel assigned Isolated areas of heat remain in the Cow Creek, Deep Creek, and Lightning Creek drainages on steep and inaccessible terrain. Little growth is expected and the area will be monitored with aerial resources. Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires Sturgill Fire: 21,710 acres, increased 99 acres | 80% of objectives achieved | 60 personnel assigned A fire crew is monitoring the northern edge today and minimal fire activity is expected. Nebo Fire: 12,609 acres, increased 1 acre | 94% of objectives achieved | 0 personnel assigned Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 584 acres, no change in acres | 0 personnel assigned Aerial monitoring will continue but little to no fire activity is expected for the Nebo and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. Weather: Warmer than normal temperatures and dry conditions will persist through the weekend with fuel moistures continuing to gradually trend downward. Early next week another storm system will impact the area with increasing winds Monday and cooler conditions mid-week with the potential for precipitation. Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Temporary Road Closures:  Closures are in effect for the Double Creek and Sturgill Fires due to operation of heavy equipment and log hauling. In the Double Creek Fire area the Hat Point Road is closed starting at the forest boundary. The Little Bear Creek Road (FSR 8250) is closed east to the junction with FSR 8250-040 near the Sturgill Fire. Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place for the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Campfires should be in fire pits surrounded by dirt, rock, or commercial rings. Flammable material shall be cleared within a 3-foot radius and avoid overhanging limbs. Attend fires at all times and fully extinguish when not attended. Information                  Wallowa Mountains Office         Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM              Phone: 541-426-5546                            Double Creek Fire InciWeb https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8366/ Facebook www.facebook.com/doublecreekfire2022   Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires Sturgill Fire InciWeb https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8364/ Nebo Fire InciWeb https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8363/ Goat Mountain 2 Fire InciWeb https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8380/

 

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The Little Bear Rd (FS Road 8250) remains closed.

The following roads remain closed:

Sturgill Fire:  FR 8250 (Little Bear Rd.)

Double Creek Fire:  Hat Point Rd.