Rice Ridge Fire Wednesday Morning Update

Rice Ridge Fire Morning Update: The next public meeting will be held tomorrow, Aug. 10 at 6pm at the Seeley Lake Elementary School. The fire grew about a 1,000 acres yesterday to 9,286 acres. It is still 10% contained. There are 503 Firefighters: 9 crews, 36 engines, 4 helicopters, 3 dozers, 17 water tenders and overhead personnel assigned to the fire.

SUMMARY: Tuesday's weather provided for moderate fire activity along the northwest, while the fire experienced growth on the eastern portion.

Hose lays and sprinklers were completed around structures and crews continue to monitor and test for effectiveness. Heavy equipment continued constructing line along the western flank. Indirect line is being constructed south of Morrell Mountain, along Cottonwood Lake Road in preparation for any fire growth. Air resources worked the northwest and east flanks of the fire.

The priority today will continue to be in the Blind Canyon area, where fire activity is expected to increase. Heavy equipment and hand crews will be utilized to build indirect line in anticipation of fire growth on the southeast portion of the fire.

While a large number of resources are committed to the fire, numerous local resources are staffed and prepared for any new starts that may occur in the area.

Fire information booths will be staffed at the Valley Market and Rovero's Hardware Store on Highway 83 from 10am to 6pm.

Residents of the area should sign up for Smart911 at http://www.smart911.com to ensure they receive any emergency messages about potential evacuations.

The American Red Cross has opened a shelter for those who wish to pre-evacuate. It is located at the Potomac Community Center, 29827 Potomac Rd., in Potomac. All evacuees are welcome and there is no cost to stay in the shelter. More info at http://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.

ADVISORIES: As a reminder, the evacuation warning issued to residents urges them to be prepared. The warning is still in effect south of Rice Ridge Road to Double Arrow Road (including Double Arrow Ranch) on the east side of Highway 83. No actual evacuations have been ordered. Residents adjacent to these areas should remain vigilant.

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 on Inciweb. Seeley Lake, the body of water, is still closed to all recreation activities due to aircraft scooping water and is anticipated to be in effect through the weekend.

The temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire remains in effect. This restriction applies to drones as well. For more information: http://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_7_5270.html

TODAY'S PLANS: Fire crews will focus on expanding and connecting line along the northern, western and southern flanks of the fire. Air resources will continue to be utilized, as visibility improves, for water and retardant drops over the active areas of the fire.

WEATHER: Temps will be in the mid 80s today with relative humidity in the teens. Winds will be light and variable. There will be a slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Fire Behavior: Fire activity is anticipated to be similar to yesterday with fire growth along the northern and eastern flank.