UPDATE: 2:45 p.m. - Aug. 9, 2022
HAMILTON - The Indian Ridge Fire has jumped to 2,400 acres burned, according to a Tuesday afternoon update.
The lightning-sparked fire was pushed by strong northwest winds on Monday and spotted across Indian Creek making a run up the slope towards Beaver Jack Mountain.
Smoke from the fire was visible Monday afternoon and evening south of Hamilton, primarily around Darby.
There are no values at risk or impacts to the Magruder Road Corridor or Paradise Road, according to a Bitterroot National Forest news release.
The fire is still approximately two miles east of Indian Creek Campground and Paradise Road.
It is burning five miles from the Idaho/Montana border and is approximately 30 miles southwest of Darby.
The fire is burning in very steep, rugged, and remote terrain with heavy surface fuels and dead-standing timber.
Fire information and maps have been posted at all wilderness campgrounds and trailheads along Paradise Road, the Magruder Road Corridor, and Nez Perce Pass.
The fire danger is currently “extreme” on the Bitterroot National Forest.
(first report: 9:25 a.m. - Aug. 9, 2022)
HAMILTON - A wildfire on the Bitterroot National Forest has grown from approximately 20 acres to 341 acres.
The Indian Ridge Fire was started by lightning on July 7 in the Indian Creek drainage in the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness on the West Fork District.
The fire — which is still approximately 2½ miles east of Indian Creek Campground and the Paradise Road — was active over the weekend and on Monday.
Fire managers report that there are no values at risk or impacts to the trail system in the area. There are also no road or trail closures.
Fire activity is expected to increase and there is potential for the smoke to become visible in the valley and impact air quality, primarily around Darby.
Fire information has been posted at nearby wilderness campgrounds and trailheads.
