Single Publication

The Elmo Fire stayed relatively within the same footprint as yesterday with only 4 acres of growth for a total of 21,349 acres. Additional containment line east of Cromwell Creek and south of Lake Mary Ronan increased containment to 61%.

Evacuations

·       Evacuation orders have been lifted for residents along Lake Mary Ronan Road (Hwy 352) west of Dayton Creek Road. This area remains under pre-evacuation warning and open to residents and guests only.

·       Camp Tuffit/West Shore Road remains under evacuation order and is closed to all traffic.

·       Residents of Chief Cliff Lane, Black Lake Road, Big Meadows Road, and Dayton Creek Road remain under pre-evacuation warning and open to residents only.

·       Speed limits on Lake Mary Ronan Road (Hwy 352) are reduced to 35 mph.

Area Closures and Restrictions

·       The Flathead Indian Reservation Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes and Lake County are currently under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions.

·       The Boat Ramp at the Elmo Fishing Access Site and Lake Mary Ronan State Park are CLOSED.  

Current and Planned Activity

Yesterday, firefighters strengthened and deepened lines around the fire utilizing hose lays and heavy equipment to ensure the fireline was clear of heat. In the northern area of the fire, firefighters reinforced fireline utilizing handcrews and water from hose lays, skidgines and aircraft. Extensive helicopter bucket work occurred on the west side of the fire to aid firefighters as they secured the fireline up to 200 feet into the interior. Crews across the fire area identified and removed hazards near the fireline that posed a safety risk to firefighters and public. Firefighting resources and air assets were made available to support other fires in the area. Scoopers assisted with the Redhorn fire to the south, outside St. Ignatius.

Today will be the hottest and driest day of the week, increasing potential fire activity. Fire activity and smoke will likely increase in the interior of the fire with single tree and group tree torching and active surface flame.  Firefighters on the north end of the fire will improve hose lays adding hose as necessary to aid in securing the fireline. Aviation support will be used as needed. Crews and resources are positioned in areas where most needed or released from the incident as the response is right sized appropriately to the fire needs.

Weather: Sunny, hot and dry with winds ranging from 5-10 mph out of the southeast. Temperatures will range from 93 to 97 degrees. Relative humidity values will be 14-18%