The official size of the Jericho Mountain Fire has increased to 493 acres due to better mapping of the fire on Wednesday. Evacuation warnings remain in effect for Rimini Road.
As of Thursday, 510 personnel were assigned to the fire.
Fire officials say Thursday's efforts will continue to focus on fortifying containment lines along the fire's edge. Additional crews will work to reinforce contingency lines with heavy equipment west of Minnihaha Creek and along Telegraph Road. The structure protection group is on track to finalize structure protection plans, which include assessing homes for vulnerability, identifying water sources, building maps, establishing tactics and determining resources needed to protect structures.
(Residents receive briefing on Jericho Mountain Fire)
MTN meteorologists are forecasting a chance for isolated severe storms to pop up in the afternoon, with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s. The forecasted weather may impact firefighting operations.
The Jericho Mountain Fire was sparked by lightning and first reported the morning of June 15. As of Thursday, no containment has been reported.
Officials would also like to remind everyone that fireworks are prohibited on Federal Public Lands-No exceptions. "Even a single spark can ignite a devastating wildfire, putting lives, wildlife and treasured landscapes at risk. Recreate responsibly," said fire officials in a press release.
(Watch crews fight the Jericho Mountain Fire)
On Wednesday, June 18, an evacuation warning was issued by the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office for the residents of Rimini Road and all connecting roads south of Bear Gulch Road.
Residents are urged to take the following steps to prepare for a possible evacuation:
- Pack a “go bag” with essentials such as: Medications, Important documents, Phone chargers, Money/debit cards, Clothing and Personal Items
- Prepare your home and property
- Make arrangements for pets and livestock
- Be ready to leave if an evacuation order is issued
"The decision to issue the warning was based on predicted fire behavior and the limited access along Rimini Road, which is one way in and out," said Lewis and Clark County in a press release.
Residents needing more information about the evacuation warning should call 406-447-8235.
The U.S. Forest Service on Wednesday also issued a closure for the area near Jericho Mountain:
The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest has issued a closure order for the Jericho Mountain fire to protect the safety of visitors and fire personnel and to support the effectiveness of suppression operations.
The closure area impacts a section of the Boulder Mountains approximately 17 miles southwest of Helena. The closure includes the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail between Macdonald Pass and Luttrell. Reroute directions are available on our website under “alerts.”
The north boundary of the area closure includes Vista Point on Macdonald Pass. Cromwell-Dixon Campground and Quigley Group Use Site remain open. The closure continues to the west of Rimini Road and includes the closure of Minnehaha Creek Road. The west side of the closure is defined by Forest Service Road 496 to the intersection with Little Blackfoot Road.
