DAYVILLE — Both the overall size and containment level of the Rail Ridge Fire increased over the weekend.

The fire, burning just south of Dayville, now covers 165,743 acres and is 80% contained, fire managers said in an update on Monday, Sept. 30.

On Sunday, hot and dry conditions contributed to an increase in acreage on the Rail Ridge Fire, fire officials said. In the Black Canyon Wilderness, the fire crossed Black Canyon Creek onto the ridge east of Honeymoon Basin, where firefighters and aerial resources remain engaged.

Monday’s weather was expected to be much cooler, though winds will be stronger and out of the northwest, and relative humidity will be lower. Weather continues to challenge firefighting efforts.

In the northern divisions, firefighters continue to mop up and extinguish isolated heat sources and are working toward suppression repair.

Containment continues to increase around the perimeter.

In the southern portion of the fire, patrols continue, and suppression repair is ongoing. Repairs continue along roads which received heavy impacts during suppression efforts.

Monday’s wind direction was expected to change and come from the northwest. It will be a dry day as relative humidity is expected in the teens. Temperatures will be much cooler, with highs only reaching into the 60s.

Level 1 and 2 evacuation zones for the Rail Ridge Fire remain in Grant County.

For current evacuation levels in all affected counties, please 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.

Acres: 165,743

Containment: 80%

Detection: 09/02/24

Cause: Lightning

Personnel: 1,038