Single Publication

Public Meeting – Wednesday, August 3rd at 7:00 pm

Elmo Pow Wow Grounds – Hwy 93

The Elmo Fire is currently 18,427 acres and 16% contained. Wind gusts and low humidity combined with continuous timber fuels created increased fire activity to the north, expanding the fire perimeter towards Lake Mary Ronan and Big Meadows.

Evacuations

The Lake County Sheriff expanded the Evacuation Order to include all residents residing north and south of Hwy 352 (Lake Mary Ronan Road) and all residents who live along Lake Mary Ronan. All prior evacuation orders and pre-evacuation warnings are still effect.

Area Closures

·       Motorists can view the most recent updates on highway access at www.511mt.net.

·       The Boat Ramp at the Elmo Fishing Access Site is CLOSED.

·       Lake Mary Ronan State Park is CLOSED.

Current and Planned Activity

Yesterday, winds began late morning and continued out of the west. Firefighters made significant progress constructing and reinforcing control lines along the eastern and western sides of the fire. On the west side of the fire, crews improved fireline in the Cromwell Creek area with aviation support. The southern edge along Highway 28 remained contained and in patrol status. Firefighters on the north side of the fire were supported by aircraft and heavy equipment as they continued to construct fireline in addition to containing spot fires in hay fields to the north. Engines patrolled the fire perimeter overnight and reported the fire remained in its current footprint.

Today, firefighters on the eastern and western sides of the fire will continue reinforcing fireline, extinguishing areas of remaining heat to further secure the previously burned areas around Chief Cliff and Highway 93 to the east and Cromwell Creek Road to the west. To the north, crews and equipment will be supported by aircraft as they improve direct line and secure the hay meadows on the edge of the existing fire footprint. Firefighters along with heavy equipment will continue constructing fireline tying into existing roads up to the State managed section of land south of Lake Mary Ronan. Structure protection and mitigation efforts will continue near Lake Mary Ronan. Winds beginning in the late morning will have the potential to push the fire from the southwest, challenging lines from a new direction.

Weather: Mostly sunny with temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s. Low afternoon humidity and increasing gusty west and southwest winds continuing into the evening.

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