Rice Ridge Fire Morning Update: Another community meeting will be held Monday, Aug. 21 at 6pm at the Seeley Lake Elementary School. Photos courtesy of Chelsea Lynn Cahoon!

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 August
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/…/disaster-rel…/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 a