SAM Magazine-Red Lodge, Mont., Aug. 3, 2008-The Cascade Wildfire that has been threatening Red Lodge Ski Area is currently 33 percent contained, with crews solidifying fire lines around the resort and making progress in battling the blaze.

The fire has burned more than 10,000 acres and is still active, with moderate rates of spread and mid-range spotting especially at higher elevation where fire is being impacted by winds. However, fire spread has been secured on north side with control lines and natural barriers and crews there are in mopup phase. Helicopters and retardant are being utilized to assist crews with fire line construction on the northeast, east and south sides of the fire.

Firefighters also continue to build heavy dozer lines on the east side of Red Lodge ski area, as well as reinforce other dozer lines. These efforts to protect the resort were bolstered by calm winds Friday, which allowed crews to set a north-facing ridge on fire to prevent the Cascade fire from moving closer to the Red Lodge Mountain Ski Resort. Incident commander Wally Bennett said that the "burnout" maneuver was successful in clearing fuel from in front of the approaching fire.

Bennett adds that while the situation is still grave, given low winds and good weather, crews may gain the upper hand over the fire by early next week.

Ski Area Management Magazine will continue to update readers as the situation develops.

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