Critical Three Days Ahead - Continue to Stay Prepared

SEELEY LAKE – The community gathered Thursday, Aug. 17 for the sixth community meeting on the Rice Ridge Fire. The fire has dropped to the fourth fire on the national priority list. Suppression costs are currently at $13 million and rising.

Firefighting efforts are being concentrated on the southeast corner of the fire. A dozer line tied into the natural fuel break in the rocky cliffs on the top of Morrell Mountain and brought it down to the Cottonwood Lakes Road. There is also a hose lay is pumping water out of Cottonwood Lakes all the way to the top, eliminating the safety concern of engines...