MISSOULA, Mont. — The Sharrott Creek fire burning west of Stevensville has grown to 3,081 hectares (7,500 acres), an infrared flight survey taken overnight showed.

That is 63 hectares more than the last flight.

More than 600 firefighters are on the scene of the lightning-caused fire, which was 32% contained on Sunday.

The following update was given on Inciweb on Sunday:

The fire’s most intense heat is on its western flank, where it is slowly moving into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Due to yesterday’s warmer, drier weather and the terrain’s location, the fire generated significant smoke as it burned in the head of Sharrott Creek.

Current status

On the north side, rappellers have completed their work on the large area northwest of the fire. All areas on the map on that side are now considered contained. Due to heavy debris, firefighters continue to mop up and secure the head of the Larson Creek Drainage. Control lines on the eastern perimeter have been completed and are shown on the fire map as a black border. Firefighters continue to patrol that line.

To the south, crews continue to use water treatment equipment to cool hot spots from the St. Mary’s Trailhead to the southeastern edge of the fire. Firefighters remain optimistic about limiting the spread of the fire to the south. A rappel module continues to dig handlines on the southwestern edge to connect natural control features along the St. Mary’s Trail.

The structure protection teams are still working to recover sprinklers from the northern neighborhoods. They also have responsibility for the initial attack. Firefighters have begun to reduce the night shift, but some resources remain to continue night patrol. During the day, helicopters continue to support ground operations with water drops as needed.

Weather and fire behaviour

Hot and dry conditions will peak today and tomorrow with sunny skies, temperatures in the 80s and humidity in the teens in the afternoon. Expect increased fire activity and smoke production, especially on the west side.

SMOKE

For current smoke alerts, visit https://www.airnow.gov/

EVACUATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, CLOSURES

The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office has downgraded evacuation orders for neighborhoods near the Sharrott Creek Fire to evacuation warnings. Download the Ravalli Co. Sheriff’s Office app for information or call 406-375-6650. The Bitterroot NF has an area closure from North Fork Sweeney Creek to Sweathouse Creek. See https://tinyurl.com/Sharrottclosure for the order and map. Temporary flight restrictions (TFR) are in place over the fire area west of Highway 93 from Bass Creek to Big Creek.