Firefighters today continue to battle the North Schell Fire, estimated to be about 22,000 acres.  That acreage may change as a result of an aerial survey occurring this morning.

 The fire remained active overnight, burning white fir, mountain mahogany, pinion-pine, juniper, sagebrush and grasses on the east side of the  Schell Mountain Range, about 20 miles northeast of Ely.  The fire was aided by temperatures in the upper 70s, single-digit humidity and a southerly wind of 10-15 mph.  Winds were calmer this morning, but a Red Flag warning remains in effect throughout today.  Public and firefighter safety, and protection of sage grouse and mule deer winter habitat, and private property are the top priority.

State Route 893 between U.S. Highway 50 and Schellbourne Pass, and Kalamazoo Road remain closed until further notice due to the increase in fire vehicle traffic. The public is encouraged to stay out of the fire area.

The Troy Phelps Type III Incident Management Team took management of the fire at 6 a.m., today.  Currently, an estimated 350 people are fighting the fire, including support personnel.