DAYVILLE — Strong winds fanned the flames of the Rail Ridge Fire, pushing it above the 165,000-acre mark, fire managers reported in an update on Thursday, Sept. 26.

The fire burning south of Dayville now covers an estimated 165,209 acres and remains 61% contained. A total of 1,239 personnel are assigned to battle the blaze.

On Wednesday, a cold front passing over the Rail Ridge Fire tested control lines with strong winds, gusting up to 45 mph. Firefighters were prepared for this forecasted event and utilized aerial resources until around 11 a.m., when winds made it unsafe to fly.

Containment lines along Coffee Pot Ridge held, where firefighters will continue to secure and mop up during today’s shift. The fire did progress in the Black Canyon Wilderness, from the south side of Black Canyon Creek and is now established in Honeymoon Basin.

An Uncrewed Aerial System (drone) is being utilized today to collect intel and identify areas of heat. Firefighters will continue to focus on increasing containment on the northeast side of the fire. Mop-up and suppression repair efforts will continue around the perimeter of the fire where containment has been established.  

Good relative humidity recoveries occurred over the fire area Wednesday night. Cooler temperatures, light winds, and sunny skies are expected Thursday. A dry, warming trend is forecasted over the next few days, as a high-pressure system moves into the region.

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

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: 165,209

Containment: 61%

Detection Date: Sept 2, 2024

Cause: Lightning

Total resources: 1,239