STEVENSVILLE – Little change was reported in the Sharrot Creek fire near Stevensville Monday morning.

The fire, sparked by a lightning strike, has destroyed 4.1 hectares of land, and evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect.

The Bitterroot National Forest reports that temperatures near the fire dropped to 45°C overnight. However, some visible tree burns are visible Monday morning.

The fire department determined that a nighttime reconnaissance flight could not take place over the fire due to maintenance work.

The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office announced Sunday that residents over the age of 18 will be allowed to check their belongings in the evacuated areas between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Monday, conditions permitting.

The fire department’s operations control center has been moved from the Super 1 parking lot to Fort Owen Ranch in Stevensville.

Evacuation orders remain in effect for the following areas:

• West of the intersection of Kootenai Creek Road and Timber Trail, including the homes along Timber Trail.
• West of the west side of Sharrott Hill Loop, including homes on Blue Grouse Lane, Redtail Hawk Lane, and Porcupine Lane.
• Marmot Trail
• Saint Mary’s Lookout Road, west of Saint Marys Road.

Evacuation warnings apply to the following areas:

• North Kootenai Creek Road and west of Wankantanka Way.
• West of the east side of Sharrot Hill Loop.
• West of the Salish Trail.
• West of the intersection of Saint Mary’s Road and Salish Trail.
• West of Saint Mary’s Road to the intersection with Indian Prairie Loop.

A Red Cross shelter at the Latter-day Saint Church at 100 Middle Burnt Fork Road in Stevensville is stocking up on food, cots and water for fire evacuees.
Additionally, Anytime Fitness Gym in Stevensville opens its showers during business hours for those without hot water.