Wildfire burning south of Ronan

Folks traveling south on Highway 93 will likely see a wildfire burning. The Lake County Leader reports that a large burnout operation will take place today in an attempt to contain the lightning-caused Moss Ranch Fire 14 miles southwest of Ronan, on the Flathead Indian Reservation.

The fire is burning in grass and timber along a steep, rocky, rugged terrain.

According to a press release, no structures or other infrastructure were threatened at this time, and there are no evacuation notices.

The fire is being managed by a local Type 3 Incident Management Team, according to a press release issued by Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Fire Prevention Specialist C.T. Camel.

Local firefighters continue to secure control lines.

Because of dry fuel conditions, rugged and steep terrain and expected warmer weather, a burnout operation is a primary focus.

About 160 crew members are involved in the burnout operation, which was scheduled to start this morning.

The following roads are closed until further notice: the Nenemay Road and FB-4000 Road.

The northern Flathead Valley hasn’t seen a major wildfire yet this year as it’s been a fairly wet summer compared to previous years, with precipitation at or near normal. The National Weather Service is predicting drier and warm weather through next week, however.