Single Publication

Video Update: https://fb.watch/ugnY16k7ZW/ 

Northern Rockies Team 3, Incident Commander Mike Behrens

Location:  One mile west of Stevensville, Montana in Ravalli County

Start Date: 8/23/2024

Cause: Lightning  

Size:   1,130 Acres

Completion/Containment:  0 percent

Resources assigned: 388 people

KEY MESSAGES

• We encourage non-fire personnel to stay out of the evacuated neighborhoods so that firefighters can safely do their jobs without interference. 

Current Status

Strong downhill winds preceding the cold front caused some spotting ahead of the eastern edge of the main fire yesterday. Helicopters dropped water to assist firefighters in catching that spot near the southeast corner of the fire perimeter. The Helena Hotshots along with an Alaska module worked with bulldozers last night to catch an approximately 15-acre slopover on the southeast corner during a very strong wind event. 

Crews today will mop and hold the 739 Road. The Salmon River Hotshot crew and bulldozers will build direct line along the northern perimeter just south of Larson Creek. Smith River Hotshots are also building indirect line on the south side, tying into switchbacks on the St. Mary’s Peak Road above Silverthorne Creek. Several Type 6 (wildland urban interface) fire engines will be employed to assist with structure protection in the neighborhoods near the eastern edge of the fire.

Crews are holding the eastern edge and patrolling the affected neighborhoods during night shifts. 

There are temporary flight restrictions (TFR) over the fire area west of Highway 93 from Bass Creek to Big Creek. 

Weather and Fire Behavior

The cold front ushered in cooler temperatures and the high today will be 66° F with 35-40 percent relative humidity over the fire area. Winds will generally be from the west with gusts to 30 mph on ridgetops. Fire behavior today will be dominated by flanking, backing and isolated small group torching.

Smoke

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

EVACUATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, CLOSURES 

The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuation orders and warnings for neighborhoods in the vicinity of the Sharrott Creek Fire. For the latest status and an evacuation map, visit the Ravalli Co. Sheriff’s Office website: https://ravalli.us  A Red Cross evacuation shelter is still available at the LDS Church in Stevensville at 100 Middle Burnt Fork Road. Evacuation questions can be directed to the Ravalli County Emergency Operations Center at 406-375-6650. 

 For the safety of firefighting pilots, do not fly unmanned aerial systems (drones) in the fire area.