Magruder Ridge Fire 2024
Magruder Ridge Fire is the 2nd-largest wildfire this season in Montana, burning 48 miles southwest of Hamilton.
Latest update
As of Nov. 13, 2024
Due to snow and cooler temperatures this fire in now contained and in patrol status.
--------------------------------------
The Magruder Ridge Fire has received enough precipitation and cool temperatures to slow fire behavior. Firefighters from the West Fork Ranger Station are removing structure protection equipment from the Magruder Ridge Fire.
Current Status of the Magruder Ridge Fire Sept. 12: The Magruder Ridge Fire was mapped at 3,586 acres before recent precipitation. The rain has helped tame fire activity. As of yesterday, before the rain, it was most active in the Magruder Ridge trailhead area and east of the Magruder Corridor Road. It was backing downslope to the north on that side. Information gets updated when it becomes available.
Current Status of the Magruder Ridge Fire as of Sept. 6: ** Section of Magruder Corridor Road Now Closed **
The Magruder Corridor, Forest Service Road #468 from Magruder Crossing, including the campground, to Observation Point is closed as of today, Sept. 6, until further notice for public health and safety from the effects of the Magruder Ridge Fire.
Please adjust travel plans accordingly.
Contact the West Fork Ranger District 406-821-3269, and Bitterroot
National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Hamilton, (406) 363-7100, for more
information about this Order.
A map identifying the closure is displayed.
For a digital version of this Order and map, go to
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bitterroot/alerts-notices
----------------------
Current Status of the Magruder Ridge Fire Sept. 5: Magruder Corridor Road will close soon.
The Magruder Ridge Fire was active last night. The plan is to close the Magruder Corridor Road (NF Road 468, Magruder Corridor Road/Nez Perce Trail Road) from Magruder Crossing to Observation Point Campground. The fire is close to the road near Haystack Saddle. Firefighters are tracking fire behavior and may even close the road today. Stay tuned for updates.
Current Status of the Magruder Ridge Fire Sept. 4: Road closure on Magruder Corridor Rd. Temporary Lifted.
After an Infrared Flight last night, the current acreage is at 1,652.
** The Magruder Ridge Fire is along the road but has not crossed over. The West Fork RD has temporarily lifted the closure on the Magruder Corridor Rd. However, the road may be closed at any time if it threatens safety. A post will be made on this site as well as https://facebook.com/DiscoverBitterrootNF
----------------------
As of today, Sept. 3, the Magruder Corridor Road is open. However, based on fire activity, the West Fork RD may need to temporarily restrict public traffic on sections of the Magruder Corridor Rd. also known as NF Road 468, Magruder Corridor Road/Nez Perce Trail Road. Stay tuned for updates if conditions change. Closures will be listed here.
The Infrared flight that was scheduled to fly last night was canceled due to weather. The flight will resume when weather permits.
Fire Location: 4 miles west of Magruder Ranger Station in the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness
Start Date: 8/19/2024
Cause: Lightning
Size: 678 Acres (Infrared picture as of Friday, Aug. 31)
Resources assigned: 2 Suppression Modules (12 Firefighters working on point protection)
KEY MESSAGES- The fire has grown since the last Infrared flight on Friday night. It is estimated to be over 800 acres.
- The fire is in close proximity to the Magruder Corridor Road and based on the current fire activity
--------------------
Current Status as of Sept. 2: The Magruder Ridge Fire was caused by lightning Aug. 19 in the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness. The fire is moving closer to the Magruder Corridor Road. Due to current fire activity and predicted weather, the West Fork Ranger Station is temporarily closing sections of the Magruder Corridor Road (about 11 miles) from Magruder Crossing Campground to Observation Point. Magruder Corridor Road is also listed as Forest Road 468 and Nez Perce Trail Road. The temporary closure will go into effect this afternoon between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Additional closures may be needed the next several days depending on fire activity and impacts along the road.
Firefighters from the West Fork Ranger Station have implemented protections on values at risk and continue to protect infrastructure at Kim Creek Saddle and Magruder Crossing Campground utilizing pumps and sprinklers. Firefighters will be in the area to provide fire information and coordinate public travel through the fire area as conditions allow, likely in the late evening and early morning.
People can expect delays. These decisions were made with public safety in mind.
- Reader boards will be posted at the intersection of Little West Fork Creek Crossing and Nez Perce Road and Red River Ranger District Elk City, ID.
- Road access from the Montana side to Paradise on 468 and 6223 will remain open for now.
- Contact the West Fork Ranger District 406-821-3269 for the latest information on road impacts.