As seen from Double Arrow.
As seen from Double Arrow.
Smoke from Double Arrow.
The fire is currently at 6,946 acres, up 112 acres from yesterday, and 0% contained. There are currently 9 crews, 2 helicopters, 18 engines, 4 water tenders, 3 dozers and 326 personnel assigned to the fire as well as 6-8 aircraft working the fire during the day. The values at risk include: the community of Seeley Lake and properties along the Highway 83 corridor. Over 600 residences are threatened. No structures have been lost on the incident.
CURRENT STATUS: Management of the Rice Ridge Fire is under the command of Steve Goldman's Eastern Area Incident Management Team (IMT). The fire, currently at 6,946 acres in size, is burning in heavy dead and down fuels approximately 2 miles northeast of Seeley Lake Montana.
Crews continue to build and improve control lines on the south end of the fire while also installing hose lays and provide structure protection for homes and other structures near Seeley Lake.
The Seeley Lake Volunteer Fire Department, Missoula County Sherriff's Office and Montana DNRC are working closely with the IMT and Lolo National Forest staff in the emergency response to the fire. Major incident objectives include, but are not limited to, safety of firefighters, support personnel and the public, as well as protection of the Seeley Lake community and the Highway 83 corridor.
Favorable weather conditions yesterday afternoon allowed for a heavy air tanker presence on the south end of the fire for the third day in a row. Crews were also able to construct direct handline in some areas to check spread of the fire on the south side.
EVACUATION WARNING: The evacuation warning issued to residents on both sides of Highway 83 south of Rice Ridge Road to Morrell Creek and south of Cottonwood Lakes Road east of Highway 83, including the town of Seeley Lake and Double Arrow Ranch is still in effect. No actual evacuations have been ordered.
CLOSURES: A closure order is still in effect for the areas surrounding the Rice Ridge Fire. A map and copies of the official closure orders are available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/5414/.
Additionally, Seeley Lake waters are still closed to all recreational activities and will be through the weekend due to aircraft scooping water.
TODAY'S PLANS: Fire crews will continue to build and improve control lines. Hose lays will be installed along control lines. Structures will be prepared and areas scouted for additional control lines.
FIRE WEATHER: Today's forecast is for continued hot and dry conditions, with temperatures in the mid to upper 80s and minimum relative humidity 18-24%. Light and variable winds before noon will give way to upslope winds in the afternoon at 8-12mph Gusting up to 24mph. The outlook through the weekend is continued hot and dry conditions.
FIRE BEHAVIOR: Fire behavior is expected to be very active today. Heavy stands of beetle killed trees and downed fuels will promote strong surface burning.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Further information on the Rice Ridgde Fire can be obtained by calling 406-813-0527 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. or by going to http://www.inciweb.org. A fire information booth will be staffed at the Valley Market on Highway 83 from 10am to 6pm. Information on this and other fires on the Lolo National Forest can be found on the Lolo National Forest Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/lolonationalforest/
Residents of the area should sign up for Smart911 at http://www.smart911.com to ensure they receive any emergency messages about potential evacuations.
A shelter for those residents who feel the need to pre-evacuate will be open at the Potomac Community Center, 29827 Potomac Rd., in Potomac.
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