Rice Ridge Fire Monday Morning Update

Rice Ridge Fire Morning Update: A community meeting will be held today at 6pm at the Seeley Lake Elementary School.

The Rice Ridge Fire grew 600 acres yesterday and is now 15,947 acres. The fire crossed the road to Morrell Falls (Forest Road 4353) circling back on the containment line north of the Seeley Lake Airport dropping the containment to 9%. There are 524 Firefighters assigned to the fire: 8 crews, 31 engines, 4 helicopters, 2 dozers, 17 water tenders and overhead personnel.

YESTERDAY: There was no strategic firing operations conducted due to unfavorable conditions. To the east there was very little fire growth in the Cottonwood Creek drainage area. Rocky terrain and an old burn scar coupled with cooler, cloudy weather significantly reduced fire growth overall. However, heavy bucket work was used to keep fire in check due to increased fire activity in the western portions of the fire. Crews continued fuels reduction operations on public land north and east of the Double Arrow Ranch. The Morrell Fire Lookout has not been damaged.

TODAY: Residents can expect to see fire conditions similar to yesterday with the exception of increased smoke from strategic firing operations being conducted near Morrell Lookout if favorable conditions exist to burn. Aircraft will be dropping retardant and water to assist firefighting operations and will be concentrating bucket work on the west side to keep fire growth in check as it slowly but steadily backs downhill. To the east, in the Cottonwood Creek area, managers will assess conditions to the east and continue with indirect line construction. Additionally, fire crews will be maintaining hose lays and pumps to support suppression efforts along the indirect line to the south and southwest. Fuels reduction on the north and east side of the Double Arrow Ranch will continue.

Another weak upper level disturbance moving through the region, in combination with smoke from area fires, will keep some shading over the incident today. Partly Sunny with temperatures reaching 80-85 with winds from the northwest at 2-4 mph and gusts to 9 mph. Humidity will be 15-25%. Smoke from other fires could moderate conditions on the fire for the day, however expect to see active fire conditions to materialize late in the afternoon.

Fire information booths will be staffed at the Valley Market, Seeley Airport, and Rovero's Hardware Store on Highway 83 from 11am to 4pm.

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-recovery-services/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. Recreationists are strongly urged to keep clear of ongoing helicopter bucket operations on Seeley Lake. Due to safety concerns, the lake could be closed once again if public fails to cooperate.

CLOSURES: The closure order in effect for the areas surrounding the Rice Ridge Fire has been expanded to the East to include the Lodge Pole and Monture Creek trails. A map and copies of the official closure orders are posted on Inciweb. Big Larch campground is still closed but the boat launch is open. A temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place. Be advised, this restriction also applies to Drones. For more information: http://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_7_9440.html 524