Rice Ridge Fire Friday Morning Update

Rice Ridge Fire Morning Update: Another community meeting will be held Monday, Aug. 21 at 6pm at the Seeley Lake Elementary School.

The Rice Ridge Fire grew 620 acres and is now up to 12, 861 acres and remains 10% contained. There are currently 539 firefighters assigned to the fire including: 7 crews, 31 engines, 4 helicopters, 2 dozers, 19 water tenders and overhead personnel.

YESTERDAY: Crews continued strategic firing operations on Morrell Mountain and near the Morrell Lookout. Conditions were favorable for both aerial and ground based firing operations.

Fire behavior allowed for continued progress towards completing the firing objectives. There was a small spot fire on the east side of the Morrell mountain ridgeline. Air resources were used to drop retardant along the ridgeline to reduce fire spread to the south. Additionally, aircraft were used to reinforce containment lines and reduce the chances of additional spotting. Within the fire perimeter, there was an increase in fire activity in the northern and western portions of the fire. Crews continued fuels reduction operations on public land north and

east of the Double Arrow Ranch.

TODAY: There is an increased potential for fire growth due to Red Flag Warnings. Fire managers will continue to use strategic firing operations along Morrell Mountain, working off the completed areas from the past several days. Firing operations will only be used if wind and weather conditions permit. Aircraft will be dropping retardant as needed to assist firefighting and firing operations. Crews along the western and northern portion

of the fire will continue to monitor fire activity. Additionally, fire crews will be maintaining hose lays and pumps to support holding and suppression efforts along the indirect line. Fuels reduction on the north and east side of the Double Arrow Ranch will continue.

A Red Flag Warning Is in effect for today Aug. 18th, as a dry cold front moves into the area. Humidity is

expected to drop into single digits in the valleys and midteens in the higher elevations. High temperatures across the incident will range from the mid-70's to near 90. West Southwest winds of 15 to 30 mph are expected to develop. The fire will be more active due to increasing temperatures and lower humidity.

Fire information booths will be staffed at the Valley Market, Seeley Airport, and Rovero's Hardware Store on Highway 83 from 11am to 5pm.

Air Quality: For current air quality information please visit inciweb to view the most recent report.

In the event of an evacuation, the American Red Cross will open a shelter. It is located at the Potomac Community Center, 29827 Potomac Rd., in Potomac. The shelter is on standby, anyone seeking to pre-evacuate that requires assistance or sheltering may call the Red Cross of Montana at 1-800-272-

6668. Evacuees are urged to call before leaving for the shelter, as cell phone service is limited at the shelter. More info at http://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recoveryservices/find-an-open-shelter.

ADVISORIES: As a reminder, the evacuation warning issued within areas of Seeley Lake (including Double Arrow Ranch), remains in effect and residents are urged to be prepared. Residents adjacent to these areas should remain vigilant. Residents of the area should sign up for Smart911 at http://www.smart911.com to ensure they receive any emergency messages about potential evacuations. Crews, engines, and heavy equipment use public roads traveling to and from their daily assignments. Highway Patrol will be enforcing speed limits to ensure safety.

CLOSURES: A closure order 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 will be in effect through the weekend. A temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place. This restriction applies to drones as well. For more information: http://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_7_9440.html