MISSOULA — The Beeskove Fire burning north of Missoula is burning nearly 350 acres and remains 0% contained.
Increased fire behavior was seen on Monday, including individual tree torching due to windy conditions and warm temperatures, according to fire managers.
The resources assigned to the Beeskove fire include four Hotshot crews and six helicopters all working to contain the fire under a full suppression strategy.
Overall, there are over 300 people assigned to battle the lightning-caused fire which continues to burn in the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area five miles northeast of the main Rattlesnake Trailhead.
A Type 2 Incident Management Team will be taking over at the fire scene.
Smoke may be visible from Missoula.
The Missoula Ranger District announced on Tuesday morning that the closures in the area of the blaze are being expanded for public safety as heavy machinery and crews move into the area.
The expanded closure includes the previous closure area and the following additional areas:
- Woody Mountain to Johnson Gulch area is now closed to recreational use.
- Sheep Mountain Trailhead is now closed along with access to the trailhead via East Twin Creek Road FS 2117 and Upper Twin Creek Road FS 2119.
- Mineral Peak Lookout is now closed as well as access to the lookout via the East Fork Rattlesnake Road FS 2112 and Mineral Peak Lookout Road 2120.
- Upper Twin Creek/Sheep Mountain Spur Trail #505 is now closed.
Previously closed areas that will remain closed through this order:
- Rattlesnake Creek Trail #515 remains closed after Poe Meadow for staging of fire equipment. The trail is open until Poe Meadow. (The main Rattlesnake Trailhead and Rattlesnake Creek Trail #515 will be closed on Aug. 6 for dust abatement)
- Trail #515.7/#515.8 remains closed.
- Sheep Mountain Loop Trail #1513 remains closed.East Fork of the Rattlesnake Trail #514 remains closed.
- Sheep Mountain Trail #513 remains closed.
- Mineral Peak Trail #511 remains closed.
- Rattlesnake Horse Trailhead remains closed for staging of vehicles.
