A structure fire near Rice's Crossing was first reported Tuesday, June 28, 2022 around 2 pm. It spread into surrounding vegetation and became what is now known as the Rices Fire. By July 7, it had burned 904 acres and 13 structures and – thanks to a very aggressive attack by firefighters and first responders – was 98% contained.
I think I speak for all of us here in District 1 when I express my deepest gratitude and praise to the personnel who put in long hours – some even incurring injuries – to contain this fire. You play a pivotal role in this county and it does not go unnoticed.
Let this incident be a reminder to us all to prepare for wildfire and do our utmost to prevent it. Make sure you are signed up for CodeRed, refresh your memory on how to check your evacuation status on Zonehaven, reach out to your list of five close contacts to touch base on how you would stay in touch in an emergency (“Find your Five”), and continue to do whatever defensible space work you can safely perform in warmer, drier weather. So, for example, do all vegetation maintenance that requires a gas or electrical motor before 10 a.m. – not in the heat of the day, or when the wind is blowing! Find more tips on safe equipment use when living in a wildland area here.
