InciWebSingle Publication
Could not determine your location.
Wildfire
Prescribed Fire
Burned Area
Response
Other
Sharrott Creek Daily Update 09-18-2024
Sharrott Creek Fire
Publication Type: News - 09/18/2024 - 08:49
Sharrott Creek Fire:
Cause: Lightning
Size: 3,204
Completion: 83%
Total Personnel: 228
Phone Number: 406-403-7976
The area closures surrounding the fires are still in effect. These closures are necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe firefighter and equipment operations and access. Fire managers are working in conjunction with Bitterroot National Forest officials to assess the need and potential boundary changes. More information on Bitterroot National Forest area closures can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bitterroot/alerts-notices
The fires saw significant precipitation over the last 24 hours and fuels are approaching “moisture of extinction,” meaning larger fuels are saturated to the point they no longer support burning or combustion. Sharrott Creek received 6/10 of an inch of rain, while Johnson got 1/3 of an inch and Daly and Railroad received an inch.
All fires are downsizing in personnel numbers, as firefighters complete suppression repair work and fire activity decreases.
Skalkaho Highway (Highway 38) remains closed from milepost 9.0 to 28.2. Visit Montana DOT for the most updated information: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/
Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 5 will transfer command of all fires back to the Bitterroot National Forest on September 20, 2024 at 6 p.m.
Current Status
Sharrott Creek (3 miles west of Stevensville)
Firefighters are expected to complete suppression repair efforts on handlines on Wednesday, while excavators will continue to pull back berms on constructed firelines on the northern and southern firelines. Excavators are working downhill and are on schedule to complete repair work within a week.
Weather and Fire Behavior
High temperatures on Wednesday will be in the mid 60s in the valley and mid 50s across the higher elevations. Isolated showers will continue throughout the morning and dissipate in the afternoon. Skies will remain overcast over the course of the day, and winds will subside mid-day.
Fire behavior will be isolated smoldering, primarily in stump holes.