Single Publication

Northern Rockies Team 5, Incident Commander Joe Sampson  

Location: Three miles west of Stevensville, Montana

Start Date: 8/23/2024  

Cause: Lightning        

Size:   3,018 Acres  

Completion: 36%

Total Personnel: 355 

CURRENT STATUS
Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 5, led by Incident Commander Joe Sampson, took command of the Sharrott Creek Fire at 6 a.m. today. At the fire’s northernmost point, near the head of the Larson Creek drainage, crews are improving constructed line and using natural barriers (such as areas with limited fuel sources for the fire) to hold the fire within its current footprint. Engines will continue to patrol the fire's eastern edge to check for any areas of residual heat. To the south, crews are using water to cool hot spots from the most southern point of the fire west towards the St. Mary’s Trailhead. Fire managers are optimistic about limiting the fire spread south. A rappel module remains near the St. Mary’s Trail, digging handline to tie together natural control features like rocky areas void of available fuel. Structure protection crews will take on initial attack responsibilities if new fire starts crop up with incoming thunderstorms in the area. Helicopters will be available to assist ground crews with water drops as necessary and as long as it is safe to do so. The fire will no longer be staffed by night crews due to a substantial decrease in nighttime fire activity.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Thunderstorms passed through the fire area last night, bringing wind gusts up to about 30 mph. However, the fire area did not receive measurable precipitation. Today, hot and dry conditions are expected with southwest wind gusts reaching about 20 mph along the ridgetops. Temperatures will likely remain in the mid 70s in the fire area with relative humidities in the mid 20s. The majority of the fire’s movement will be in the upper slopes where dry, subalpine fir has the potential to torch and cause short-range spotting up to ½ mile.
In the coming days, precipitation is expected with up to 1 inch of rain possible in the fire area. This wetting rain will likely hinder the fire’s ability to move substantially for a week or so or until fuels along the fire’s perimeter dry out. However, thunderstorms could potentially cause new fire starts.
EVACUATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, CLOSURES
-The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office has issued an Evacuation Warning for neighborhoods in the vicinity of the Sharrott Creek Fire. Sign up for evacuation alerts at http://hyper-reach.com/mtravallisignup.html
-Area closures are in effect from North Fork Sweeney Creek to Sweathouse Creek. More information on Bitterroot National Forest area closures can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bitterroot/alerts-notices
- The Bitterroot National Forest is currently in Stage I Fire restrictions within the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness.
- A Temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place west of Highway 93 from Bass Creek to Big Creek.