Single Publication

The Elmo Fire experienced minimal growth yesterday of 129 acres for a total of 21,327 acres and containment increased to 30%.

Evacuations

·  Pre-evacuation warnings have been lifted for residents east of Hwy 93 between Chief Cliff Lane and Lake Mary Ronan Road (Hwy 352).

·  Evacuation orders have been lifted for residents of Chief Cliff Lane and Black Lake Road (remain under pre-evacuation warning).

·  Evacuation orders have been lifted for residents of Big Meadows Road and Dayton Creek Road (remain under pre-evacuation warning).

·  Evacuation orders remain in effect for residents west of intersection of Lake Mary Ronan Rd (Hwy 352) and Dayton Creek Rd.

·  Lake Mary Ronan Road (Hwy 352) is closed at the Dayton Creek Road intersection.

·  Arterial roads off Lake Mary Ronan Road (Hwy 352) are open to residents only. This DOES NOT include roads west of Dayton Creek Road which are still under Evacuation Order. Speed limits are reduced to 35 mph on Lake Mary Ronan Road (Hwy 352).

·  The Proctor dump is open to Lake County residents.

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, reduced winds and lower temperatures along with aviation support allowed firefighters to improve line around the north side of the fire and achieve increased containment. New containment occurred south of Cromwell Creek on the west side of the fire and east of Black Lake on the east side of the fire. Crews worked through last night, patrolling and improving line as needed.

Today’s warmer and drier conditions may increase fire activity. Firefighters will remain engaged strengthening containment lines as they extinguish areas of heat up to 120 feet into the interior. South of Lake Mary Ronan, crews will add hoses and pumps to make water more available for securing firelines. Small firing operations may be necessary to address unburned fuels that pose a risk to the fireline.

Weather: Sunday’s weather is warm and dry with light diurnal winds and temperatures in the mid 80s to low 90s. Expect low afternoon humidity and no precipitation in the long-term forecast.

Next Public Meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 8th at 7:00 pm at the Elmo Pow Wow Grounds – Hwy 93.

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