Approximately 170 local firefighters will focus on securing all control lines 200 feet in front the perimeter Sunday afternoon to combat the lightning-caused Moss Ranch Fire, which is located 14 miles southwest of the town of Ronan, on the Flathead Indian Reservation.

The Moss Ranch Fire is 4,868 acres with 40 percent containment.

The latest initiative to combat the blaze is part of a sizable mop-up operation that will utilize engines, water tenders and hose lays.

The following crews will be used to combat the fire—1 Type II Initial Attack Crews, 2 Type II Crews, Air attack, 1 Type 3 helicopters, 8 Type six engines, three S.E.A.T.’s, four dozers, six skidgens, one ambulance, and six water tenders, who are assigned to the fire.

It is being managed by a local Type 3 Incident Management Team. The blaze is burning in grass and timber along a steep, rocky, rugged terrain.

As of press time, there are no structures or other infrastructure threatened at this time, and there are no evacuation notices, according to a press release distributed by Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire.

C.T. Camel, fire management specialist for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire, 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.”

On Saturday, hand crews monitored and patrolled the entire fire perimeter for hot spots. The interior of Division Alpha was active with the high temps and low RH’s.

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

The press release advised staying away from areas with road closures.

The crew will have to deal with weather variables such as high pressure today that will bring sunny skies. Cooler temperatures today will result in slightly higher relative humidities.

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 the report