DAYVILLE — The Rail Ridge Fire grew slightly over the weekend but containment grew, too, as firefighters brace for more challenging conditions in the long-term forecast, fire managers reported in an update on Monday, Sept. 23.

The fire, burning just south of Dayville, covers just under 163,000 acres and is now 56% contained. A total of 1,343 firefighters are assigned to battle the blaze.

Firefighters are working to increase and strengthen containment lines ahead of elevated temperatures and an increase in winds next week, fire officials said.

Crews are focused on confirming the reliability of existing lines and creating depth to increase confidence that these lines will hold with upcoming weather changes. Hotshot crews are engaged in particularly rough terrain around the northern perimeter, working to identify and execute containment line placement that has a high probability of holding in the event of fire growth with weather changes next week. 

Closures and Evacuations

All Level 1 and 2 evacuation zones have been lifted for Grant County, and Level 3 “Go Now” zones have been downgraded to Level 2 “Be Set” status.

For current evacuation levels in Wheeler, Crook and Grant counties, visit: https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire. 

The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management have implemented closures for the Rail Ridge and Wiley Flat Fires. For more details and closure maps, visit https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire.

Rail Ridge Fire at a Glance

Acres: 162,994 

Containment: 56% 

Detection Date: Sept 2, 2024

Cause: Lightning

Total resources: 1,343

Crews: 41

Engines: 50

Dozers: 17