UPDATE: 10:15 a.m. - August 25, 2024
An overnight infrared flight shows the Sharrott Creek Fire has burned 1,048 acres.
The Bitterroot National Forest reports air tankers dropping retardant and helicopters dropping water will be seen on Sunday.
There are now close to 200 firefighters working the blaze who will be assessing and protecting property.
The lightning-sparked blaze started on Friday afternoon.
(second report: 2:35 p.m. - August 24, 2024)
A Type 3 Incident Command Team has taken over the management of the 1,600-acre Sharrott Creek Fire burning west of Stevensville.
Multiple air and ground resources have been assigned to protect lives and private property threatened by the lightning-sparked blaze that broke out Friday afternoon.
Evacuation orders remain in effect for the following areas:
- West of the intersection of Kootenai Creek Road and Timber Trail, including homes on Timber Trail.
- West of the west side of Sharrott Hill Loop, including homes on Blue Grouse Lane, Redtail Hawk Lane, and Porcupine Lane.
- Marmot Lane
- Saint Mary's Lookout Road, west of Saint Marys Road.
Evacuation warnings are in effect for the following areas:
- North Kootenai Creek Road and west of Wankantanka Way.
- West of the east side of Sharrot Hill Loop.
- West of Salish Trail.
- West of the intersection of Saint Mary's Road and Salish Trail.
- West of Saint Mary's Road to the intersection of Indian Prairie Loop.
A Red Cross evacuation center has been set up at the LDS Church at 100 Middle Burnt Ford Road in Stevensville. Evacuees who need places for their animals to stay can contact the Bitterroot Animal Rescue Coalition at 406-363-5311.
Fire information trailers are in place in the Super 1 parking lot in Stevensville.
The Bitterroot National Forest reports on Saturday afternoon that four tankers are dropping retardant and between two and four helicopters are dropping water on the blaze. Officials note that ower outages in Hamilton delayed one helicopter from being able to respond on Saturday.
There are 100 firefighters responding to the Sharrott Creek Fire and other resources have been ordered. Additionally, a county task force of structure protection engines is available.
Crews will be working to improve access to the fire in an area west of Saint Mary's Road and Salish Trail, and west of Redtail Hawk, Blue Grouse, and Porcupine lanes — including portions of Timber Trail. Residents will see firefighters in those areas, including bucket and retardant drops.
A recorded message is available on the Ravalli County Emergency Operation Center line at 406-375-6650. Residents are advised to download the Ravalli County Sheriff's Office App to receive information regarding evacuation orders and changes. People are also encouraged to register with Hyper-Link to receive emergency notifications from the Ravalli County Office of Emergency Management.
People can register with Hyper-Link by following the links on the Ravalli County web page or the Ravalli County Sheriff's app.
(first report: 8:48 p.m. - August 24, 2024)
The Sharrott Creek Fire outside of Stevensville is holding at 1,600 acres as of Saturday morning.
Evacuation orders issued by the Ravalli County Sheriff's Office remain in effect and the Red Cross has set up a shelter at the LDS Church at 100 Middle Burnt Fork Road.
The following areas remain under an evacuation order:
- Kootenai Creek, west of the intersection of Timber Trail, to include residences on Timber Trail.
- The west side of Sharrott Hill Loop, to include residences on Blue Grouse Lane, Redtail Hawk Lane, and Porcupine Lane.
- Marmot Lane west of Saint Mary's Road.
- Saint Mary's Lookout Road, west of the intersection of Saint Mary's Road.
Information trailers have been set up in the parking lot of Super 1 Foods and the Ravalli County Office of Emergency Services has set up an information line at 406-375-6650.
Evacuees who need places for their animals to stay can contact the Bitterroot Animal Rescue Coalition at 406-363-5311.
The blaze was sparked by lightning on Friday afternoon. There are currently 100 firefighters responding to the fire with additional resources on the way to the scene.
The Red Cross shelter was set up on Friday night and offers food and a place to stay. However, showers are not available. Resources for medications and mental health services will be provided.
Families who need services may also call the Montana Red Cross at 800-RED-CROSS.
The below information is from the Montana Red Cross:
WHAT TO BRING:
Your safety is most important – grab your loved ones and get out of harm’s way.
However, if you do have time to pack, please consider bringing these items:Red Cross urges everyone to be prepared should wildfire occur in your area.
- Bedding
- Clothing
- Medications
- Your child’s stuffed animal, blanket and toys
- Your emergency kit
Follow the steps below to keep your family safe:If an evacuation is imminent:
- Gather your family or household members and delegate responsibilities.
- Assemble an emergency kit to take with you when you evacuate. For a detailed list of items to include visit www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies.html
- Prepare an information kit with important documents like medical, banking and insurance records.
- Save a list of emergency numbers on every cellphone.
- Plan ahead for your pets and livestock.
- Identify a place to meet in case you are separated.
- Plan and practice several evacuation routes from your neighborhood.
Evacuate as soon as the order is given. Don’t delay.
- Tune in to local radio and television stations for updated emergency information. Download the Red Cross emergency app.
- Limit exposure to smoke and dust. Keep indoor air clean by closing (but not locking) windows and doors. Close curtains, shutters, and blinds. Use the recycle mode on your air conditioner.
- Turn on exterior lights.
- Remove flammable items from decks and porches.
- Open gates for animals that cannot be evacuated.
- Connect a hose to an outside spigot, mark any water sources on your property, and leave a ladder for firefighters.
- Put your emergency kit in your car. Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape, with windows closed and keys in the ignition.
- Put your best driver at the wheel. Turn on lights, drive slowly and watch out for emergency vehicles.
People are urged to sign up for the Ravalli County Sheriff's App for the latest information about the Sharrott Creek Fire. The Big Sky Horse Park in Missoula is offering stalls for horses.
