Published August 3, 2022, 2015 hours PT

Credit: UsFS

====== INCIDENT SUMMARY ======

The HOG TROUGH FIRE is located 18 miles southeast of Hamilton, near the Skalkaho Highway, which was sparked by lightning on Sunday, July 17, 2022, around 1825 hours, on the Bitterroot National Forest and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.

The fire is burning in heavy down woody debris in old burn scars from 2005 Signal Rock Fire. Mature timber stands are 25-50% dead. Vegetation burning is subalpine fir, lodgepole pine, understory brush, and trees that regenerated from previous fires of 2000 and 2005.

The TFR is in effect. Please do not fly drones near wildfires. Unauthorized drones were spotted near the fire over the weekend. The use of unauthorized unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or drones, in a fire area, endangers the lives of pilots and firefighters. Know before you fly.

====== CURRENT STATUS ======

There have been 749 acres.

Fire behavior is active in the northwest and southwest portions with isolated groups of trees torching. It is moderate fire behavior with backing with it burning in other areas it is creeping and smoldering.

====== RESOURCES ======

There is a total of 273 personnel.

The fire command is under the Northern Rockies Team 5, Incident Commander Joe Sampson assumed command at 7 pm MDT on August 3, 2022.

There 7 Hand Crews, 8 Helicopters, 4 Engines, 2 Skid Engines, 1 Water Tenders, and 1 Dozer.

====== EVACUATIONS ======

There are no evacuations in effect at this time.

====== CLOSURES ======

Closures: See Inciweb for specific closure information.

  • FS 75 Road, From Junction 38 and FS 75 to Mile Marker 5 (Skalkaho Creek-Jerry Lake Trailhead #503).
  • FS #5070 and #5071 Roads are closed.
  • FS #711 from its intersection with Highway 38 (Skalkaho Highway) to FS Road #75, including ancillary roads leading from 711 Road.
  • 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. 

====== HASHTAGS ======

#HogTroughFire #MTwildfires

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