HELENA — The Jericho Mountain Fire did not see much reported growth over the last 24 hours, remaining at around 351 acres burned as of Friday morning.
The evacuation warning remains in effect for Rimini Road.
Fire officials say crews will be taking advantage of the change in weather to work directly on the fire's edge.
Friday's work will include continuing line construction and improvement west of Minnehaha Road along the Continental Divide and north of Jericho Mountain.
Air tankers and helicopters will continue to work along the edge of the fire.
A structure protection group for the town of Rimini is planning and preparing for enhanced structure protection in the event of increased fire activity in the area.
Watch air firefighting resources at the Helena Regional Airport head to fight the Jericho Mountain Fire:
As of Friday, 250 personnel were assigned to the fire, including: eight crews; three dozers; two scoopers; two heavy helicopters; four skidders; two skidgines; four feller bunchers; four masticators; six engines; and an ambulance.
Crews are continuing to work the fire fine in heavy deadfall, steep terrain and limited access. As of Friday morning, the fire is considered 0% contained.
The Jericho Mountain Fire was sparked by lightning and first reported the morning of June 15.
An evacuation warning was issued by the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday 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.
