Rice Ridge Fire Thursday Morning Update

Rice Ridge Fire Morning Update: A community meeting will be held tonight Thursday Aug. 24 at the Seeley Lake Elementary School at 6 pm.

The Rice Ridge Fire grew 1,600 acres and is now 17,794 acres. Containment increased to 16 percent. There are currently 454 personnel on the fire.

YESTERDAY: There was an increase in fire behavior as temperatures and winds increased. Helicopters were used to assist firefighting operations on the west and southwest portions of the fire. Crews scouted additional containment lines on the northwest portion. Hose lays were maintained along the indirect lines to the south and southeast. Fuel reduction work expanded on the northeast side of Double Arrow development.

TODAY: With the possibility of increased weather activity, residents can expect to see increased fire activity. Air resources will be utilized to assist firefighting operations across the fire throughout the day. Crews will continue to tie into existing roadways to improve fire lines. The fuels reduction operation will continue to the south and northeast side of the Double Arrow development. Hoselays will continue to be monitored and improved upon as needed.

A cold front will pass through the area with chance of showers and thunderstorms. Gusty winds and lightning with a slight chance of wetting rain are expected. Relative humidity will be ranging from 20%-40%. Temps in the Valleys are expected to be in the low 80's with winds ranging from 5-15 mph.

EVACUATIONS: Approximately 1000 homes and building are threatened. An 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. In the event of an evacuation order, residents will be directed to a new shelter site located at the UCC Church, 405 University Avenue, Missoula MT. Residents of the area should sign up for Smart911 at https://www.smart911.com/ to ensure they receive messages about potential evacuations.

CLOSURES: A closure order in effect for the areas surrounding the Rice Ridge Fire includes the Lodge Pole and Monture Creek trails. A map and the official closure order is posted on Inciweb. Big Larch Campground is still closed but the boat launch is open. Recreationists are strongly urged to keep the area clear for ongoing helicopter bucket operations on Seeley Lake. Due to safety concerns the lake could be closed again if the public fails to cooperate.