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: 346

Current Status 

Crews continue to secure and make improvements to the northern-most section of fireline to the head of Larson Creek. Along the southern-most section of fire line towards the St. Mary’s Trailhead, crews continue to ‘mop-up’ hot spots and make improvements. 

Weather and Fire Behavior 

Hot and dry conditions will continue for the morning with temperatures reaching the low 70s by noon. Thunderstorms are expected in the early afternoon with potential gusty winds up to 45 mph and possible small hail. The weather system is expected to weaken as it travels north through the Bitterroot Valley towards the Sharrott Creek Fire, but a strong to severe thunderstorm is still possible. Storm activity will likely end before midnight and periods of rain will continue in the valley with a chance of mixed precipitation above 9,000 feet.

Fire activity will remain moderate to potentially active in some areas with torching and short-range spotting possible prior to the incoming wet weather and increased winds. As weather patterns change and moisture increases, fire behavior will be limited over the next 24 hours to 48 hours.

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.