Trail Ridge Fire (MTBDF)

Wildfire Status:

The Trail Ridge Fire, currently active in Montana's Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Bitterroot National Forests, has burned approximately 18,138 acres and is 80% contained. A Type 4 incident management team, led by Incident Commander Cache Gibbons, took over operations on October 19, 2022. Recent wet weather, including rain and snow at higher elevations, has significantly reduced fire activity, with minimal smoke production expected in the coming days. Fire officials are focusing on assessing current conditions and conducting necessary repair work on the firelines.

The fire's primary objectives are firefighter and public safety, as well as preventing the fire from encroaching on private lands and vital infrastructure along Highway 93 and the East Fork of the Bitterroot corridors. Strategies include point protection and the establishment of indirect lines as needed, while suppression repair efforts are ongoing to restore impacted areas.

Weather conditions today are mostly sunny with a chance of a rain-snow mix this afternoon. High temperatures are expected in the 40s, accompanied by south-southeast winds at speeds of 5-10 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 21 mph. A low temperature of around 21 degrees is anticipated tonight, with a 90% chance of precipitation continuing throughout the week, further aiding in fire suppression efforts. The Trail Ridge Closure has been lifted as of October 24, 2023, and this will be the last update regarding the fire. For further information, residents are encouraged to contact the local ranger districts.

Visit Inciweb Incident Page for more information. Information on this page is provided for informational purposes only.

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