LIBBY – The Davis fire which is burning northwest of Yakk in Lincoln County has tripled in size to an estimated 5,200 acres.
Fire managers report the blaze grew from 1,700 acres to about 5,200 acres on Saturday as winds pushed the fire to the northeast.
The blaze is expected to grow again on Sunday due to continued winds in the area and could ignite spot fire ¼-to-½ mile ahead of the fire front.
Fire managers say that new strategies are being developed for how to best attack the fire given limited resources and accelerated fire behavior.
Crews continue to hold the fire line along the southern perimeter and build indirect line southwest near Davis Creek.
Additional fire growth is anticipated to the east and northeast on Sunday.
Crews are also implementing protection measures on the Kootenai National Forest Garver lookout tower and cabin as a precaution.
An area closure around the Davis Fire remains in effect and is expected to expand in response to the growth of the fire.
A public meeting will be held to discuss the Davis fire on Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Yaak Fire Station.
Stage I Fire Restrictions remain in effect on the Kootenai National Forest.
