Single Incident Information

Update as of 9 p.m.: Aug. 23, 2024

Local Type 3 team, Incident Commander Dave Tingley

Location:  4 miles west of Stevensville

Start Date: 8/23/2024         

Cause: Lightning 

Size: 1,600 acres

Resources: multiple resources, air and ground 

Current Status: 

Evacuation Orders For Sharrott Creek Fire:

Fire Managers and Ravalli County Sheriff have ordered Evacuations due to the Sharrott Creek Fire for the following residential areas:

-Kootenia Creek, west of the intersection of Timber Trail, to include residences on Timber Trail.

-West, of the west side of Sharrott Hill Loop, to include residences on Blue Grouse Lane, Redtail Hawk Lane, and Porcupine Lane.

-Marmot Lane west of Saint Marys Road.

-Saint Marys Lookout Road, west of the intersection of Saint Marys Road.

An Evacuation Order means:

This is the time to move out of the area IMMEDIATELY for safety reasons. This is not the time to move personal property and livestock. If you choose to ignore the order, you must understand that emergency responders MAY NOT BE ABLE TO assist you, and no other persons will be allowed into the area.

Download the RCSO app for smart devices for evacuation information. Drive in a safe and orderly fashion on designated routes only. Be on the lookout for fast moving emergency vehicles. Remaining calm and putting your pre-planned actions in motion will be the best way to keep you and your family safe. Please do not remove any exterior flagging or markings that have been placed outside your home. These marking help emergency responders identify who has or has not received notifications.

The Red Cross has been notified and is working to set up an evacuation center. As details are available on the shelter they will be published on the Sheriff's App.

-- The Sharrott Creek Fire started at 3:45p.m. today and was caused by lighting. Due to extreme wind and conditions caused by thunderstorms, the fire is running, torching and long-range spotting up hill and to the north. This fire is 4 miles west of Stevensville in the Bitterroot NF. 30 firefighters are responding or are on scene as well as air attack. Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton issued pre-evacuations from Kootenai Creek to St. Mary's as well as road closures in that area. The Sheriff has set up a command post in the Super 1 parking lot in Stevensville. 

The current Incident Commander is Dave Tingley, and a Type 1 Incident Management team has been ordered. 

Expect future closures in the following areas:  Kootenai Creek, St. Mary’s Trail, Big Creek and Bass Creek.

Public notice: for your protection and the protection of our firefighters, please avoid these areas. More information will be shared as it becomes available.