Aircraft were utilized yesterday on the Rice Ridge Fire to reinforce containment lines along Morrell Mountain. This provides for safe operations and reduce the chances of spot fires while crews conduct tactical firing operations over the next couple days, securing the southeast portion of the fire.
Rice Ridge Morning Update: The community meeting will be held tonight, Aug. 17 at 6pm at the Seeley Lake Elementary School.
The Rice Ridge Fire is up to 12,244 acres and is 10% contained. There are 610 firefighters assigned to the fire:
10 crews, 39 engines, 4 helicopters, 2 dozers, 20 water tenders and overhead personnel.
YESTERDAY: Crews began strategic firing operations near Morrell Mountain. Conditions were favorable for both aerial and ground based firing operations. The resulting fire activity, allowed for progress towards completing the firing objectives. Air resources were used to drop retardant along the ridgeline to reinforce containment lines and reduce the chances of spotting. Crews in the northern and western portions of the fire continued to strengthen and reinforce indirect lines. Fuels reduction continued on public land north and east of the Double Arrow Ranch.
TODAY: Fire managers will continue to use strategic firing operations along Morrell Mountain, working off the completed areas from yesterday. Aircraft will be dropping retardant in areas along the firing operation to enhance the dozer line west of Morell Mountain Lookout. Crews along the western and northern portion of the fire will finish removing downed fuels. Additionally, the crews will be maintaining hoselays and pumps to support holding and suppression efforts along this indirect line. Fuels reduction on the north and east side of the Double Arrow Ranch will continue.
Today will be partly sunny with temperatures in the mid 80's and relative humidity will be in the teens. Winds will be light and terrain driven out of the west/northwest. The fire will be active will increasing temperatures and lower humidity.
Fire information booths will be staffed at the Valley Market and Rovero's Hardware Store on Highway 83 from 11am to 4pm.
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-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: 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
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