Elmo Fire threatens homes; grows to 16k acres

ELMO – As of Tuesday morning, Aug. 2, mandatory evacuations remained in place for residents of the Lake Mary Ronan corridor, including Lake Mary Ronan Road, Black Lake Road, and the surrounding areas north of Elmo on the west side of Flathead Lake as firefighting crews continue to battle a 16,200-acre wildfire that ignited July 29.

According to C.T. Camel, information officer with the CSKT Division of Fire, the blaze — which is believed to be human-caused and still under investigation — started along Montana 28 around mile marker 39 in a patch of grass and quickly made its way north uphill into timber and more rugged terrain.

“The fire is consuming some thick standing and dead timber that has not seen fire in several decades,” Camel noted.

The Elmo Fire as of Aug. 2 was 10% contained with more than 300 personnel assigned to fight the fire and provide support.

Initial responders included emergency personnel from Lake County, CSKT Division of Fire, Chief Cliff, Rollins, Hot Springs, Polson, Ronan, Finley Point and Mission, with air support and smoke jumpers from the Missoula DNRC.

Assuming command of the Elmo Fire on July 31, officials with the Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 7, a Type II Incident Management Team, held a public meeting Aug. 1 at the Elmo Pow Wow grounds.

Officials describe the fire behavior as extreme and confirmed one structure was lost. As many as 50 structures are threatened.

Lake County Sheriff Don Bell told those in attendance that fire activity had reached within 200 feet of U.S. 93.

Due to fire activity and poor visibility in the area, the Montana Department of Transportation reports travelers can expect intermittent blockage until further notice between mile marker 77 and mile marker 81 on U.S. 93 near Dayton. The MDT asks drivers not to park along the highway right-of-way for fire viewing and urge drivers to use Montana 35 on the eastern side of Flathead Lake instead.

Lake Mary Ronan State Park remains closed, along with the boat ramp at the Elmo Fishing Access Site. No boats are allowed on Flathead Lake around the Elmo, Rollins and Dayton areas.

Evacuations remain in place for the Lake Mary Ronan area north of Elmo on the west side of Flathead Lake.

Red Cross workers have a shelter set up at Polson High School and Somers Middle School for anyone displaced by the fire. All services at both shelters are free to anyone who needs them.

People also can request Red Cross services by calling 1-800-272-6668.

Mission Valley Power shut off electricity on Tuesday at Black Lake Road, the Proctor Clubhouse and Hog Heaven.

Official updates on the Elmo Fire are available at inciweb.nwcg.gov and on the CSKT Division of Fire Facebook page.

Meanwhile, another small fire cropped up Monday evening in the Mission Mountains north of St. Ignatius. The lightning-cause Redhorn Fire was 37 acres in size and burning in thick timber on steep and rugged terrain. A local Type 3 team was assigned to the blaze.