ELMO - Little change is being reported from the Niarada Fire which is burning 12 miles west of Elmo.
The blaze is holding at 20,365 acres with containment and remained 81% contained as of Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023.
Fire managers report the Niarada Fire remained relatively quiet Wednesday as crews continued to focus on building line as direct as possible along the fire’s eastern edge closest to Elmo.
Structure protection crews remain outside Elmo near Big Arm, testing sprinkler systems and pumps while working with landowners on additional vegetation management around structures.
A pre-evacuation warning issued by the Lake County Sheriff's Office remains in effect for the following:
- Alexander Road
- Early Dawn Road
- Spring Lane Road
- Walking Horse Lane
- Windward Heights Road
- Wildhorse View
- Buffalo Bridge Road
- Saddle Drive
- Island Butte Lane
- Bridle Path
- Ten Deuce Way
- Cliffview Drive
- Ricketts Road
The remainder of the town of Elmo is in "ready" status.
The majority of the Mill Pocket Fire is in mop-up status as crews work to make sure the edges of the fire are cool and pose little to no threat to containment.
There are 323 people assigned to the Niarada and Mill Pocket fires which were sparked by lightning.
Stage 2 fire restrictions remain in place across the Flathead Indian Reservation as well as in Lake, Flathead and Sanders counties.
Visit www.MTFireInfo.org for additional information.
