The lightning-caused Moss Ranch Fire located 14 miles southwest of the town of Ronan, on the Flathead Indian Reservation, grew to 4,868 acres with 10 percent containment by Friday afternoon, according to the latest press release distributed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire.

The fire managed by a local Type 3 Incident Management Team is the largest fire of 2019 in Western Montana, according to C.T. Camel, fire management specialist for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire.

The blaze is burning in grass and timber along a steep, rocky, rugged terrain. No structures or other infrastructure threatened at this time, and there are no evacuation notices.

There was 170 personnel assigned to the incident.

Camel explained a large amount of smoke over Ronan, Pablo and Polson today was the result of a 5,000-acre “burnout,” operation. The operation is designed to create a blackened area allowing the fire to burn with less chance of escaping.

According to Camel, Friday morning’s burnout operation was successful, and the control lines held.

“It was business as usual,” Camel to the Lake County Leader in an interview. “Fire season’s just starting.”

Firefighters will continue to secure control lines. High winds forecasted throughout Saturday, so crews will focus on hotspots that are near the fire’s perimeter.

A 1 Type II Initial Attack Crew, 2 Type II Crews, Air attack, 1 Type 3 helicopter, 8 Type 6 engines, 3 S.E.A.T.’s, four dozers, six skidgens, an ambulance, and six water tenders assigned to the fire.

The following roads closed until further notice — The Nenemay Road, FB-1000 and FB-4000 Road.

The press release advises people to stay out of the area and adhere to all road closures.

Today’s weather variables the crew will be dealing with combatting the blaze, include a dry cold front will move through the area today. Expect intense and gusty westerly winds persisting through the early portion of the evening.

If you have questions or concerns regarding this notice, please contact Division of Fire at 676-2550 or contact C.T. Camel, Prevention Specialist, at 406-676-2550 ext. 6407 or email: ct.camel@cskt.org.

Carolyn Hidy contributed to this report