Rice Ridge Fire Saturday 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 significantly to the east into the Cottonwood Creek drainage, adding 3,000 acres. It is now 14,834 acres and remains 10% contained. There are currently 573 firefighters assigned to the fire including: 7 crews, 32 engines, 4 helicopters, 2 dozers, 18 water tenders and overhead personnel.

YESTERDAY: The lake at Seeley Lake, Clearwater Canoe trail, and the Big Larch Boat Launch have been opened. Big Larch campground is still closed. Crews monitored the strategic firing operations on Morrell Mountain and near the Morrell Lookout from prior operations. Red Flag weather conditions prohibited any firing operations from being conducted. There was significant fire growth to the east in the Cottonwood Creek drainage, prompting the Lolo National Forest to expand the closure area to the east. Aircraft were used to reinforce containment lines and reduce the chances of additional spotting on Morrell mountain. 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: Residents can expect to see fire conditions similar to yesterday. Another day of Red Flag weather may contribute to an increased potential for fire growth. Aircraft will be dropping retardant and water if needed to assist firefighting operations. Crews along the western and northern portions 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 to the south and southwest. 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. 19, from 12-9 pm as a dry cold front moves into the area. Humidity is expected to drop to single digits in the valleys. High temperatures across the incident will range from the mid-70's to near 90. West Southwest winds of 15-25 mph are expected to develop with wind gusts up to 30 mph. 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 6pm.

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.

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: 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 will be posted on Inciweb as soon as they become available. Big Larch campground is still closed.

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