Single Publication

CURRENT STATUS  Crews continue to chip and improve the constructed fuel break along the 75 road and 711A road. Along the Railroad Creek drainage, crews are removing hazardous trees and improving constructed line. To the north, crews are patrolling and monitoring fire behavior, looking for opportunities to improve the hand line. Crews, organized into wildland fire modules, will be taking photo points and collecting valuable fuel moisture data for future analysis. Resources will be available to respond to any new fire starts in the area, given the predicted lightning associated with passing thunderstorms. Joe Sampson’s Type 2 Incident Management Team will be transitioning with an incoming Type 3 Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Shane Martin. Resources from both teams will work alongside one another to ensure a smooth transition on Saturday evening.  
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR  Isolated thunderstorms may cross through the fire area throughout the day, with the passing of another monsoonal weather event. These storms could bring brief heavy downpours, lighting, hail, and erratic outflow winds. Fire behavior is expected to continue as creeping and smoldering; however, strong outflow winds could result in slight fire movement in areas not receiving precipitation. Such strong winds could overcome the higher relative humidity and move the fire around. However, no fire growth is expected beyond the current perimeter. Lightning could cause new fire starts in the area.  
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.  
Fire Restrictions:  Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on all Bitterroot National Forest lands in Montana. See mtfireinfo.org for more specific restrictions information.