Moss Ranch, Beeskove fires continue to burn

The Moss Ranch Fire, burning on the Flathead Reservation about 14 miles southwest of Ronan, was said Monday morning to be about 60 percent contained.

Officials said the lightning-caused fire started July 23. It was described Monday as 5,310 acres.

The blaze is burning in grass and timber along steep, rocky, rugged terrain. No structures or other infrastructure are threatened at this time and there are no evacuation notices, according to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire Management.

There are 170 personnel assigned to the fire.

On Sunday, hand crews monitored and patrolled the entire fire perimeter for hot spots.

The Division of Fire Management said Monday that firefighters will continue to mop up, using engines, water tenders and hose lays.

Public and firefighter safety are top priority, said C.T. Camel of the division.

Road closures include the Nenemay Road, FB-1000 and FB-4000 roads.

Meanwhile, the Beeskove Fire, mapped at 182 acres Monday, was said to be “consuming unburned fuel within the main fire perimeter, with some new growth on the southeastern flank of the fire moving away from Missoula.”

The U.S. Forest Service reported Monday the fire is at 0 percent containment. Yesterday, crews strengthened the anchor point and fire line on the western flank of the fire and were successful in laying down hose line in this area, the agency said.

On Monday, the Forest Service said fire personnel will continue to strengthen the anchor point, improving containment lines on the southwest corner of the fire from Rattlesnake Creek to the fire’s edge. Ground resources will continue to be supported by aviation resources which includes three Type 1, two Type 2, and one Type 3 helicopters. Helicopters will work in coordination with ground crews to check fire spread and cool hotspots.

Firefighter safety remains top priority, the Forest Service said. Burning and rolling debris, due to the steep slopes, along with rugged terrain remains a challenge for firefighters. Reconnaissance flights and additional scouting will aid fire managers with determining where firefighters can safely engage the fire. Four Hotshot crews, two Type II crews, and six helicopters are working to contain the fire under a full suppression strategy. Currently, there are 170 personnel assigned to the fire. No structures are threatened at this time.

The area closure remains in place for the Rattlesnake Recreation Area which includes the Horse Trailhead, and numerous trails.

“Please observe the closure for your own safety and the safety of firefighters,” the Forest Service said. “Visitors recreating in areas outside of the closure area could encounter fire equipment and personnel at the entrance to the main trailhead and along the main trail corridor.”

“We would like to remind the public that an area closure is in place for public and firefighter safety, and so crews and equipment have the space needed to work,” Missoula District Ranger Jennifer Hensiek said. “We realize this is an inconvenience, and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation during this closure.