Rainfall slows growth on Niarada Fire

Fire crews made progress over the weekend on containment lines around the Niarada Fire west of Elmo thanks to below normal temperatures and some much-needed rainfall.

Size estimates on Monday morning put the lightning-caused fire at 18,366 acres, with containment at 7%. Nearly 170 firefighters are assigned to the incident under the command of Mike Behrens’ Northern Rockies Team 3. Full containment was expected by Aug. 26.

A wetting rain doused the area Sunday with more precipitation expected Monday into Tuesday. Fire activity and growth slowed with the favorable weather, fire managers reported Monday.

Firefighters continued to secure lines along Cromwell Creek Road on the fire's northeastern perimeter. Some crews were shifted to the southern and eastern sides of the fire to prepare for potential firing operations over the next few days. 

Firefighters working the nearby Mill Pocket Fire continue to improve control lines over the weekend. The fire was sized at 2,135 acres and approximately 35% contained.

The Lake County Sheriff placed several residences in evacuation status along 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 and Ricketts Road.

The remainder of homes in Elmo was put in ready status.

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office issued a pre-evacuation warning for Hubbart Dam Rd/NF-544 from the intersection of Crossover Road South to Montana 28.

A mandatory evacuation remained in place from the top of the pass on Brown’s Meadow Road south to Montana 28. The mandatory evacuation also includes Kofford Ridge Road.

East of Arlee, the Big Knife Fire was sized at 4,864 acres with 5% containment.

Rainfall over the area moderated fire behavior and growth over the weekend.