Single Incident Information

Yesterday, May 7, about 5:30 p.m. smoke was detected in the Big Creek drainage area in the Bitterroot-Selway Wilderness about 9.5 miles west of Stevensville. Fire managers ordered a helicopter to perform a reconnaissance flight. The initial report identified the fire at 1 acre but after aerial reconnaissance and ground confirmation the fire is now estimated at 75 acres. This fire is burning in steep and rocky terrain from near the valley bottom up to the snow line. A medium helicopter is expected today to provide water support and additional aircraft are on order. Ground personnel are currently working to gain access to the fire and assist with targeting water drops. Fire managers from the Bitterroot National Forest and Stevensville Ranger District are strategizing the most effective options to suppress the fire. Hot and dry weather is expected over the next few days followed by cooler weather next week and the possibility of precipitation. Smoke will remain visible from the valley near the mouth of Big Creek.
More information will be posted as it becomes available.