At this time, preventative measures were passed prohibiting fires (including campfires) outside of approved recreation areas and no smoking within 3 feet of vegetation.

[2] By August 24, the fire's containment dropped to 5% and it's acreage grew to 400 acres (2 km2), due to low humidity and a heat settlement in the area.

[4] Due to extremely dry temperatures and gusty wind conditions, the fire spread to over 3,900 acres (16 km2) by August 27.

Mandatory evacuations were started for residents of the Elk Meadows subdivision and ranches west of Road 434/435 and north of Highway 200.

Processes also began to minimize impact on the Alice Creek Historic District and to prevent aquatic animals from being transported over the Continental Divide.

[4] On August 31, two National Guard Chinook helicopters arrived on the scene of the fire to provide water delivery support to firefighters.

The Lewis & Clark County Sheriff issued mandatory evacuation orders for two more subdivisions on September 4: Landers Fork and Elk Trail.

[17] All areas in the Lewis and Clark National Forest, north of Highway 200 in the Lincoln Ranger District, were closed.