CURRENT STATUS
The Hog Trough fire perimeter is slowly moving south between Weasel Creek to the west and the Signal Rock area to the east. In order to prevent the fire from turning to the north, the primary firefighting focus is on the southeast and southwest flanks of the fire. To the southeast, the Helena Hotshot crew will build a fuel break utilizing the existing Signal Rock Trail from cold black areas of the fire perimeter and tie in with the 5071 Road. On the southwest flank of the fire, two Wildland Fire Modules will open and clear the Weasel Creek Trail to create a fuel break connecting to the 75 Road. Aerial resources will provide bucket drops in the Weasel Creek and Signal Rock areas in order to slow fire progression and allow crews to focus on tying fireline in to the existing road systems. 

Yesterday on the Fuse Lake Fire, fire crews built fireline, and installed water tanks and hose lays. Today, crews will focus on finding and extinguishing remaining hot spots near the fire perimeter. Little to no perimeter growth is expected. Helicopters will fly supply missions and fill water tanks with buckets. Yesterday, aerial resources and a fire crew were diverted from the Hog Trough Fire for initial attack on a new fire start about 10 miles to the northeast of the Hog Trough Fire.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Slightly cooler temperatures and increased relative humidity values will reduce fire behavior, though dry fuels and light ning are likely to result in new fire starts. Saturday brings the best chance of rain for the next few days. Fire behavior on the Fuse Lake Fire is minimal with smoldering. The Hog Trough Fire will see moderate fire behavior with single and group tree torching and short-range spotting along the south flank and minimal fire behavior with creeping and smoldering in other areas.

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. 

CURRENT STATUS
Yesterday on the Hog Trough Fire, two Wildland Fire Modules strengthened and improved fireline in the Weasel Creek area on the southwest flank of the fire with assistance from aerial resources. Today, they will continue to check up fire along the southern flank of the fire. Crews will scout for areas to tie in fireline between Weasel Creek and the 75 Road.  Chipping operations will continue today on the 711 road system and 75 Road. To the southeast, the Helena Hotshot crew will scout for a wet draw in the Signal Rock area to tie in with the 5071 Road and prevent the fire from moving to the north. Type 2 helicopters will again be utilized provide bucket drops to cool the fire, minimize spread outside of previous burned areas, and extinguish areas of heat. With today’s hot and dry weather, fire activity and smoke will likely increase and moderate perimeter growth is expected. 
Yesterday on the Fuse Lake Fire, fire crews built fireline, and installed water tanks and hose lays. Today, crews will improve and secure fireline, continue to lay hose, and mop up isolated heat pockets within the fire’s perimeter. Helicopters will fly supply missions and fill water tanks with buckets. This fire has a full containment strategy focused on reducing fire impacts to private lands, the Skalkaho Highway corridor and Rock Creek drainage.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Hot and generally dry conditions will continue today, with light easterly winds. Moisture will slowly build over the fire area today and tomorrow bringing the possibility of thunderstorms and isolated showers. Gusty outflow winds and a chance of lightning will accompany thunderstorms. Fire behavior on the Fuse Lake Fire will include creeping and smoldering. The Hog Trough Fire will see single and group tree torching and short-range spotting along the south flank and minimal fire behavior with creeping and smoldering in other areas.

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. 

CURRENT STATUS The Hog Trough Fire was active yesterday, once again producing smoke visible from the Bitterroot Valley. Fire line is holding strong on the west flank, however there was some spread on the south flank of the fire, particularly in the Signal Rock area to the southeast. Interior pockets of fuel burned yesterday contributing to the smoke seen in the valley. To the southwest, the fire is continuing to slowly back down the Weasel Creek drainage. Crews will work on improving and securing line in this area in order to turn the corner and concentrate on building line along the south flank. Fire personnel are continuing to monitor the north flank of the fire, where fire lines are holding and fire activity is minimal. Yesterday on the Fuse Lake Fire, crews built handline and anchored the fire along the southern flank. Today, crews will look for opportunities to safely engage the fire to build and improve handline. Aerial resources will be utilized to transport resources and supplies in and provide bucket drops to cool the fire, minimize spread, and extinguish pockets of heat. Crews will lay hose and install water tanks to be used for mop up. This fire has a full containment strategy focused on reducing fire impacts to private lands, the Skalkaho Highway corridor and Rock Creek drainage.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR Hot and dry weather will persist in the short-term under the dominant ridge of high pressure. Light northeast winds will occur later today and into Friday. Poor overnight relative humidity recoveries will also contribute to fuel dryness. Look for a change in weather this weekend as a chance for thunderstorms moves into the area. Fire behavior on the Fuse Lake Fire will include creeping, smoldering, single and group tree torching and short-range spotting. The Hog Trough Fire is seeing single tree torching along the south flank and minimal fire behavior with creeping and smoldering in other areas.
 
 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.

CURRENT STATUS
The Hog Trough Fire remained active yesterday, producing smoke visible from the Bitterroot Valley. The southeast portion of the fire was most active, primarily burning dead and down fuels within the current perimeter and a previously burned area. The fire is slowly backing down the Weasel Creek drainage. Helicopters dropped water throughout the day to cool the fire and enable crews on the ground to have better access to directly attack the fire. Fire crews will resume chipping operations on the 75 Road today and directly attack the fire utilizing ground and aerial resources. On the southeast flank, near Signal Rock, fire activity was moderate with some heat, but little growth. To the north, fire personnel monitored the fire as fire activity was minimal.
The Fuse Lake Fire was also active yesterday, burning in steep and rocky ground with an abundance of hazard trees. Type 1 and 2 helicopters provided bucket drops while ground crews constructed direct fire line where safely able to do so. Today crews will lay hose and bring in water tanks to provide the infrastructure for firefighting on the ground. A Type 2 Initial Attack crew will be inserted on the Fuse Fire to replace the outgoing Wildland Fire Module today and aerial resources continue to cool the fire with bucket drops throughout the day. 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
A strong high pressure ridge resulting in hot temperatures and a dry air mass will continue today. Inversions and thermal belts will result in poor relative humidity recoveries this week. Fire behavior on the Fuse Lake Fire has been active with single and group tree torching resulting in short range spot fires in the afternoons. The Hog Trough Fire is seeing more moderate fire behavior with some single tree torching to the southwest and creeping and smoldering to the southeast.
 
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.

CURRENT STATUS
The Central Montana Type 3 team will take over command of the Fuse Lake Fire today. The Fuse Lake Fire was detected on August 14th and is actively burning in timber. The cause has not been determined. A Type 2 helicopter was utilized to drop buckets of water throughout the day and a wildland fire module was diverted to the area for direct attack on the fire. A Type 2 initial attack crew will arrive today to provide additional firefighting capacity.  

The Hog Trough Fire actively burned in the southwest yesterday, continuing to burn toward the interior of the main fire and also slowly back down into Weasel Creek. The Signal Rock area also saw moderate perimeter growth yesterday. Helicopters concentrated on water drops in this area yesterday and crews attacked the fire directly where safely able to do so. Chipping operations will resume on the 75 Road today. Fire staff will continue to monitor the north flank where fire activity is minimal.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Dry, warm high pressure will be over the fire through Wednesday. Hot afternoon temperatures, relative humidity values near single digits in the afternoon and poor overnight relative humidity recovery will dry available fuels. Expect creeping and smoldering fire behavior to continue, across both fire areas with limited single tree torching during the primary burning period in the afternoon. 

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.

Norton Fire Surpasses 1,000 acres, Woodtick Fire Sees Minimal Growth

Despite the monsoonal weather forecasted, the Woodtick fire area received little rain (0.03 in) and relative humidity stayed below 20%. The Woodtick Fire grew approximately 30 acres, with most of the creeping fire activity in the Martindale drainage.

The Norton Fire grew over 300 acres and is now at 1,020 acres. As the fire’s edge progresses south, it is beginning to move into previous fire scars, which will likely limit the spread in that direction. East winds are pushing the fire’s edge westward as well. Fire managers observing fire behavior by helicopter reported that the trees around the top of Norton Peak have burned. However, Norton Lookout appears untouched by fire. This burn scar may protect the Norton Lookout from future fires.

Monsoonal weather bringing showers and thunderstorms is predicted again for Saturday. On Saturday, there is a better chance for rainfall. However, the warm and dry weather returns on Sunday into Monday, with an increased chance of dry, isolated thunderstorms.

The Woodtick Fire (lightning-caused) started as two separate fires on July 14th, 2022, in a rugged and remote area in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Since mid-July, the area has experienced multiple red flag warnings for gusty winds, high temperatures, low humidity, and thunderstorms.

The Norton Fire (lightning-caused) started on August 1st, 2022, approximately seven miles northwest of Lower Loon Creek in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. On August 10th, fire managers began using cameras mounted on two lookouts to observe fire activity in the inaccessible and rugged terrain of both the Woodtick and Norton fires. You can see images captured in the morning of August 19th here: https://bit.ly/Aug19Woodtick

 

Evacuations for Woodtick: Residents at Camas Creek can find information on the “Ready, Set, Go” status issued by the Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office here: https://bit.ly/LemhiCountyEvacs

Closures: Two closures remain in effect on the Woodtick Fire. To view the orders in their entirety and other information regarding the fires, please refer to: https://bit.ly/WoodtickFireClosure 

 
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Minimal Growth on Woodtick and Norton Fires

Hot and dry weather persists in the area. The Woodtick and Norton fires continue with minimal activity. Firefighters posted at peaks around the Woodtick Fire reported minimal fire activity yesterday in the Martindale drainage, an area that was more active earlier in the week. The Norton Fire grew approximately 200 acres yesterday, with fire movement mostly to the south. Yesterday, managers examined the condition of the Norton Fire Lookout area to assess any additional needs for structure protection.

Air quality has decreased in Custer County due to smoke from wildfires in western Idaho and eastern Washington.

Monsoonal moisture is expected in the area by Friday. Even though rain is forecasted for the weekend, this moisture will not be enough to completely extinguish the fires. For this to happen, it will take an extended period of low temperatures, increased relative humidity, and significant precipitation later in the year when the days are shorter.

On the Woodtick and Norton fires, managers are using a combination of "point protection" and "confine and contain" strategies. The incident management team uses many data points to decide what actions to implement. Check out this video to get a look at methods that firefighters use to collect fire behavior data and make informed strategic decisions: https://bit.ly/WoodtickVideo1

 

Evacuations for Woodtick: Residents at Camas Creek can find information on the evacuation status issued by the Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office at this website: https://bit.ly/LemhiCountyEvacs

Closures: Two closures remain in effect on the Woodtick Fire. To view the orders in their entirety and other information regarding the fires, please refer to: https://bit.ly/WoodtickFireClosure 

  

Hot & Dry Weather Produces Increased Fire Activity

Dry and warm conditions are expected through mid-week, as a ridge of high-pressure builds. Yesterday afternoon, fire managers monitoring the Norton Fire through remote cameras observed increased fire activity. Infrared mapping shows fire growth of about 30 acres. Much of this growth is to the south and west of the Norton Lookout. A few weeks ago, the lookout and outbuildings were covered with structure wrap, which reflects radiant heat and averts embers settling directly on the building. Fire managers will be monitoring conditions of this area via helicopter today.

Firefighters serving as temporary lookouts on peaks around the Woodtick Fire reported light smoke in the Woodtick drainage. The Woodtick Fire grew almost 100 acres yesterday and is now at 5,642 acres. Crews continue to monitor fire activity and are prepared to respond to new starts.

While rain is forecasted for the weekend, this moisture will not be enough to completely extinguish the fire. For this to happen, it will take an extended period of low temperatures, increased relative humidity, and significant precipitation later in the year when the days are shorter.

One team is now managing both the Woodtick and Norton fires. The Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) have been lifted. Aircraft operators are reminded that firefighting aircraft operations are still being conducted around the Woodtick and Norton fires. If there is an increase in fire activity, airspace restrictions will be re-assessed.

 

Evacuations for Woodtick: Evacuation orders issued by the Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office remain in effect for residents at Camas Creek.  For more information, go to : https://bit.ly/LemhiCountyEvacs

Closures: Two closures remain in effect on the Woodtick Fire. To view the orders in their entirety and other information regarding the fires, please refer to: https://bit.ly/WoodtickFireClosure 

The Salmon River Road will be open to through traffic today from 6:00 AM until 1:00 PM. There may be a prompt 1:00 PM closure if weather conditions are favorable to allow firefighters to begin tactical firing operations at that time. Front-end loaders will continue to clear debris off of Salmon River Road. Panther Creek Road may be closed after 1:00 PM for tactical firing operations and would reopen as soon as conditions allow.   A decision to reopen these roads or keep them closed the following day will be made this evening after assessing the safety situation. We ask that extreme caution is used when traveling these roads in order to maintain public and firefighter safety. There is a red flag warning in effect from 12:00 PM until 9:00 PM today. Today’s red flag warning is due to thunderstorm potential with possible outflow winds and little to no precipitation forecasted. An Unmanned Aviation System (UAS) was used yesterday to check for hotspots in the Moose Creek Estates and Arnett Creek areas, and none were found. The fire does not appear to be currently moving south toward the 300 road. The UAS may be utilized tomorrow for tactical firing operations in the Salmon River and Panther Creek areas if conditions allow. Night operations currently consist of 2 task forces of engines whose primary duties are monitoring the fire and mitigating hazards during the night.WEATHER and FIRE BEHAVIOR: There is a chance of afternoon and early evening showers and thunderstorms. Minimum relative humidity values will be in the mid-teens in the Panther Creek/Salmon River drainage to as high as upper 20’s over the ridges. Southwest winds will be 10 – 15 mph over the ridges with gusty winds near thunderstorms. Cloud cover will be present, but reducing. The potential for thunderstorms will be lower, but still present. Downbursts could cause erratic fire movement.EVACUATIONS: Zone 15 has been added to “READY” status. Residents in Zone 1 and Zone 8 remain in “SET” status. All other zones are in “READY” status.CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS: A Salmon-Challis National Forest closure order remains in effect for the Moose Fire Emergency Area, Road, and Trail Closure.

ROAD STATUS UPDATE Salmon River Road will be open again tomorrow from 6:00am to 1:00pm to allow access to Corn Creek. On Panther Creek Road, the alternate route, firing operations will occur tomorrow, as conditions allow. Expect temporary closures and delays in the afternoon.
Fire managers will continue to assess fire activity near these roads and release the status each evening via Facebook and Moose Fire Information website on Inciweb at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8249/