Single Publication

Public Meeting – Friday, August 5th at 7:00 pm

Elmo Pow Wow Grounds – Hwy 93

The Elmo Fire experienced limited growth yesterday of 566 acres for a total of 21,182 acres. Firefighters kept the fire south of Lake Mary Ronan and containment increased to 15% as firefighters cleaned up fireline around the perimeter.

Evacuations

The evacuation order remains in place for 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 and Restrictions

• The Boat Ramp at the Elmo Fishing Access Site and Lake Mary Ronan State Park are CLOSED.
• The Flathead Indian Reservation Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes and Lake County are currently under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions.

Current and Planned Activity

Yesterday, high winds and low humidity increased fire activity on portions of the Elmo Fire. Despite these conditions, firefighters effectively held the fire south of Lake Mary Ronan due to preparation over the last few days and the ability to engage directly on the edge of the fire. Aircraft support was critical to yesterday’s success as scooper planes with nearby water sources supported crews in slowing the fire as it backed down hill towards Lake Mary Ronan. Crews worked overnight aided by an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS/drone) to locate areas of heat and secured the section of the fire around the meadow to the east, the roadway on the south shore of Lake Mary Ronan, and improved dozer lines and former roadbeds to the west. Secondary line was constructed southwest of Lake Mary Ronan in addition to the direct line at the fire’s edge. All other areas of the fire held within the current footprint.

Today, crews and equipment will be supported by aircraft as they reinforce and secure lines around the most active sections of the fire south of Lake Mary Ronan. Firefighters on the eastern and western sides of the fire remain critical to limiting fire growth, securing lines as active fire along the edge still exists. Continuous firelines are holding near Cromwell Creek to the west and structure protection resources remain in place on the east side. The southern edge along Highway 28 remains contained and in patrol status.

Weather: Winds will decrease throughout the day, initially coming from the southwest and slowly shifting east, northeast at 5-10 mph. Mostly sunny with temperatures in the 70s to low 80s. Low afternoon humidity and no precipitation in the long-term forecast.