The Kootenai Fire started west of Stevensville, Montana on July 12, 2009. Lightning struck in the Kootenai Canyon on a steep rock face about 2 miles into the wilderness. The Bitterroot Valley has had few fires compared to years past, yet this is the one that wouldn't go away.On August 5, it was about 2000 acres. On August 31 it grew to near 2685 acres still burning mostly in a rocky avalanche shoot with some brush and timber including Lodgepole Pine, Sub-Alpine Fir and Whitebark Pine.
On Saturday, September 19, the strong winds caused it to "blow up" to over 4400 acres and send embers to drainages north and south. Spot fires resulted and now that there was more timber for fuel, smoke began to tumble out and into the valley. Highway 93 near Stevensville had very low visibility for a few days but is better now.
On Sunday, September 20, it was significantly less active. Modest growth occured around much of the fire's perimeter, and fire managers estimate Sunday's growth to be 100 acres, for a total of 4535 acres.
Until Sunday, Forest officials had used helicopter water drops and only a few ground firefighters because the fire was burning on steep slopes in conditions that were too risky and private property was not immediately threatened. Those conditions changed and more resources were ordered.
Firefighting resources arrived at the fire throughout the day on Sunday. Dozers working with Hotshot and Initial Attack crews established 7 miles of dozer and hand-dug indirect fire lines from Bass Creek across and through Kootenai, Larson, and Sharrott drainages connecting to the Forest Service Road #739 in St. Mary's drainage.
Mike Fritsen's Type III Incident Command Team was briefed by Forest officials late Sunday afternoon and has taken over management of the fire as of Monday.
The Bass Creek, Kootenai Creek and Sharrott Creek drainages and the road and trail system in the St. Mary's drainage remain closed to public use to protect public safety and to reduce traffic on the road systems while firefighters are active in the area. The Stage 1 Pre-evacuation Alert & Warning remains in effect for homeowners west of the Sharrott Hill Loop at the west end of the South and Middle Kootenai Creek Roads. No evacuations have been ordered at this time.
Sunday was much cooler but dryer, warmer and less windy weather is predicted for the remainder of the week.
Residents in the possible evacuation zones have had an outpouring of help from the community especially to help transport and board horses and other animals. A resource for dogs, cats and barnyard livestock as space allows is the Bitterroot Humane Society. For horses, the Willing Servants which saw its start with a high-profile equine abuse case, is there to help.
Many people have voiced dismay at not "putting it out" especially at town meetings, yet residents affected feel that the Forest Service is doing a good job and, with the new resources, will get control of the fire soon. Most have moved livestock, are packed and ready to go yet hoping they won't have to.
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To see all the photos in a new window click Merle's SmugMug Kootenai Fire Photos.
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