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: 3,204

Completion: 36%

Total Personnel: 326

Current Status 

Crews work to remove heavy equipment and hose lays in preparation of changing weather. Additionally, crews continue making improvements to the northern and southern sections of line while beginning suppression repair procedures by putting in water bars for run off and erosion control due to heavy precipitation. Line improvement and run off mitigation will continue throughout the day.  

Weather and Fire Behavior 

Rain is expected to continue today and into the night with a few breaks possible in isolated areas. Accumulations of rain could exceed 1 inch per hour with heavy bands of weather activity throughout the day. Temperatures will remain in the 50s and some thunder may be possible in the afternoon but thunderstorms are not expected. High elevations could see rain and snow mix in the overnight hours but little to no accumulation is expected.

Minimal fire activity is expected due to low temperatures and increased moisture for the next 48 hours. 

EVACUATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, CLOSURES  

- The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office has rescinded the established Evacuation Warning for the Sharrott Creek Fire due to the precipitation the area continues to receive. This includes residents north of Indian Prairie and west of Saint Mary's Road, Salish Trail, Sharrott Hill Loop, Wakantanka Way and South of North Kootenai Road.

- 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.