Single Publication

Northern Rockies Team 3, Incident Commander Mike Behrens

Location: Three miles west of Stevensville, Montana in Ravalli County

Start Date: 8/23/2024

Cause: Lightning  

Size:   3,000 Acres

Completion/Containment: 32 percent

Resources assigned: 631 people

Key messages

A community meeting will be held today at 3 pm at Stevensville High School. It will be broadcast live on the Discover Bitterroot National Forest Facebook page. An update on the Daly, Railroad, and Johnson fires will be given at the end.

The fire's most intense heat is on the western flank, where it's advancing slowly into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Due to yesterday's hotter, drier weather and terrain alignment, the fire generated significant smoke as it burned in the head of Sharrott Creek.

Current Status

On the northern side, rappelers finished work on the large spot northwest of the fire. All the spots on the map on that side are now considered contained. Due to lots of duff, firefighters continue to mop up and secure the head of the Larson Creek Drainage. Control lines on the east perimeter are complete and reflected on the fire map as a black edge. Firefighters will continue to patrol that line. 

On the south, crews continue to use water handling equipment to cool hot spots from the St. Mary’s Trailhead to the southeastern fire edge. Fire managers remain optimistic about limiting the fire spread south. On the southwestern edge, a rappel module remains, digging handline to tie together natural control features near the St. Mary’s Trail. 

Structure protection crews are still backhauling sprinkler system equipment from the northern neighborhoods. They also have initial attack responsibilities. Fire managers began downsizing the night shift, but some resources will remain to continue night patrol. During the day, helicopters continue to support ground operations with water drops as needed.

Weather and Fire Behavior

Hot and dry conditions will reach their peak today and tomorrow with sunny skies, temperatures in the 80s and humidity’s in the teens in the afternoon. Expect increased fire activity and smoke production, especially on the west side.

SMOKE

For the current smoke reports, visit https://www.airnow.gov/   

EVACUATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, CLOSURES 

The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office has reduced evacuation orders for neighborhoods in the vicinity of the Sharrott Creek Fire to evacuation warnings. Download the Ravalli Co. Sheriff’s Office app for information or call 406-375-6650. The Bitterroot NF has an area closure from North Fork Sweeney Creek to Sweathouse Creek. See https://tinyurl.com/Sharrottclosurefor the order and map. There are temporary flight restrictions (TFR) over the fire area west of Highway 93 from Bass Creek to Big Creek.