Colt Fire July 27: Burn nears 5,000 acres, close to cell tower

The Colt Fire clocked in at 4,937 acres early Thursday morning, July 27. The fire grew by 547 acres over the last two days, and is still 0% contained.

Containment efforts could start making headway as fire crews plan to burnout western sections of Forest Service Road 646 to secure the eastern front of the fire. Smoke from the burnout could be visible from Highway 83 on Thursday.

The fire is still burning moderately, despite slightly higher temperatures and a lower humidity. On the south side of the fire, flames have yet to jump across the West Fork of the Clearwater River.

Heavy machinery will continue to clear vegetation for fire lines on the south and north sections of fire. The total number of firefighters also passed 500 yesterday.

The fire appears to be approaching a cell tower west of Highway 83, but fire dispatch said there are no current concerns for the fire reaching the tower or a loss of cell service.

Weather will warm up for the next week, which will likely increase fire activity. There is also a 20% chance for thunderstorms at the fire, bringing the potential for rain, lightning and 30 mph wind gusts.