Firefighters continue to battle a massive wildfire about 20 miles northeast of Ely. Full containment is expected this Friday.
The 22,000+-acre North Schell Fire is burning near the Muncy Creek area of North Schell Mountain Range.
The Bureau of Land Management says public and firefighter safety, and protection of sage grouse and mule deer winter habitat, and private property remain top priorities.
State Route 893 between U.S. Highway 50 and Schellbourne Pass, and Kalamazoo Road remains closed until further notice due to the increase in fire vehicle traffic. The public is encouraged to stay out of the fire area.
Crews say winds were calm early Monday morning, but a Red Flag warning remains in effect throughout today.
Crews say it started Saturday after a prescribed burned out of control.
Currently, about 350 people are fighting the fire.
Estimated full containment is this Friday evening.
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