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HAMILTON- The Sawtooth Fire hasn't changed much over the past few days and is holding at about 6,000 acres and is 45% contained.

A pair of heavy helicopters are still performing water drops… Click to Read More and see additional updates

HAMILTON- The Sawtooth Fire hasn't changed much over the past few days and is holding at about 6,000 acres and is 45% contained.

A pair of heavy helicopters are still performing water drops over remote sections of the fire burning along Sawtooth Canyon's South Ridge, according to a news release.

The air quality in downtown Hamilton has improved from readings registered this past week, but smoke is still coming into the area from wildfires in Idaho and Washington.

Fire officials say that the warming trend means that smoldering and creeping fire behavior with areas of open surface fire is expected on the west flank within Sawtooth Creek and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.

There are still over 40 people assigned to the Sawtooth Fire, that was sparked by lightning at the end of August.

Creek Trail #123, Roaring Lion Trail #124, and Canyon Creek Trail #525 are still closed due to fire activity.

(photo courtesy Bitterroot National Forest)

HAMILTON- It's been a quiet past few days as crews continue to battle the Sawtooth Fire that's holding at just under 6,000 acres burned and is still 45% contained.

A new fire management team was brought in earlier this week and has been using a pair of heavy helicopters to drop water over some of the remote sections of the blaze that's burning along Sawtooth Canyon's South Ridge.

Fire managers say that a warming trend this week means that they'll probably see smoldering and creeping fire behavior, along with areas of open surface fire, on the west flank within Sawtooth Creek and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.

The biggest problem in the Bitterroot Valley has been the air quality, which is still considered "unhealthy" as smoke pours in from large wildfires burning in Idaho and Washington. Meanwhile, the air quality in downtown Hamilton on Wednesday is "unhealthy for sensitive groups."

There are now just under 50 people assigned to the blaze which was sparked by lightning at the end of August. Creek Trail #123, Roaring Lion Trail #124, and Canyon Creek Trail #525 are closed due to fire activity.

HAMILTON- There's been little change in the Sawtooth Fire that's burned nearly 6,000 acres west of Hamilton.

The blaze is 45% contained and fire managers say they are continuing to do some rehab work in the Stone cottage area.

Helicopter bucket drops were used again on Monday, with fire managers reporting that an increase in humidity helped to keep the fire relatively quiet.

The air quality in Hamilton remained "unhealthy" on Monday as several fires in Idaho continued to pump smoke into Ravalli County.

The blaze is smoldering and creeping with areas of open surface fire on the west flank within Sawtooth Creek and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, according to a news release.

Creek Trail #123, Roaring Lion Trail #124, and Canyon Creek Trail #525 are closed due to fire activity.

HAMILTON- A predicted change in the weather has prompted officials to announce they plan to lift the Stage 1 evacuations near the Sawtooth Fire as of 4 p.m. on Monday.

Managers say that the fire behavior and weather are still being closely monitored, and suppression efforts continue to cool remaining hot spots in the Sawtooth Canyon area.

Smoke is still settling into the Bitterroot Valley from millions of acres on fire in Idaho and Washington, meaning the air quality remains "Very Unhealthy" in Ravalli County.

Creek Trail #123, Roaring Lion Trail #124, and Canyon Creek Trail #525 are closed due to fire activity.

The Sawtooth Fire has now burned nearly 6,000 acres and is 45% contained since being sparked by lightning in late August.

(photo from the First Security Bank Eyecam in Hamilton on Monday morning.)

HAMILTON- Crews working the Sawtooth Fire near Hamilton have told residents they don't want to list the last of the evacuations and restrictions until they're positive the blaze won't flare up again.

The U.S. Forest Service and other agencies met with local residents on Thursday for a progress update on the lightning-caused fire, which has now scorched more than 5,000 acres. It's just the second gathering held since the fire flared up.

Although there had been anticipation of some anger being expressed, fire managers tackled the rumors fueling some of the complaints around the valley right off the top.

Darby District Ranger Chuck Oliver explained the fire started in rough country and grew during windstorms on the September 10th and September 11th, accounting for the vast majority of the acreage burned.

Oliver said the focus became stopping the fire from blowing out of the canyon into residential areas. "The fact that we didn't put it out when it was little? Well we didn't see it until it was 24-acres, or someone didn't see it until it was 24-acres. And from that point on we gave it all we had."

Although the fire has slowed, there's still concern about another flare up should the weather change and since more wind down the valley according to Darby Fire Management Officer Keith Hackbarth.

"We're just not sure, we're just not comfortable. We are in a huge drought. We have a lot of dead and downed fuels out there which helps fire movement. Whether we get a little bit of rain, that's not going to change that for a while. We're going to need a long-term event to come through for multiple days."

Local officials, including Ravalli County Sheriff Chris Hoffman and Ravalli County Commissioner Suzy Foss urged residents to have patience, supporting the continued evacuation alert and advice to keep animals moved.

"They are in absolutely horrific conditions up there. And they're doing the best they can. But there's not anything worth someone's life." Foss said.

Incident Commander Greg Poncin says crews have dumped 1.6 million gallons of water, and over 87,000 gallons of retardant on the blaze since its started. And although a smaller team is coming in, he says the USFS remains ready to bring resources back if needed.

HAMILTON- While smoke continues to fill the skies in Ravalli County, the calm, cool weather is also helping efforts to keep the 5,000 acre Sawtooth Fire from spreading.

Although it was still smoky on Wednesday, fire conditions were much more favorable. Fire managers tell us they were able to get helicopters into the air to continue making water drops on the northern and southern reaches of the blaze.

"Weather has been a little bit clearer, so we've been able operate helicopters a bit longer. Yesterday we had to pull the helicopters back in by about 4:30 or 5 because the smoke really got thick. Today just enough of a little breeze to clear it out and let them operate frequently," fire information officer Tom Kempton explained.

The fire has slowed enough that some teams and equipment are being released to go and help with other fires in the Northwest. There's still enough manpower to keep working the fire's northern and southern boundaries, stopping it from crossing into other canyons, with the only real growth against the rocky areas leading into the Selway-Bitterroot wilderness...

"It's moving into some rockier ground. So the growth that direction also will be checked up by the rocky terrain and also the cliff faces that it's running into. As far as any chance of it blowing out on that end and coming across the top it's minimized quite substantially," operations section chief Mark Goeller said.

Fire managers say that conditions couldn't have been much more perfect since last week's blow up.

"Well it's a compromise. The inversions we get in the valley here limit the fire's growth. Sometimes that also limits the ability to use the helicopters. But it's much better than having winds pulling through here, especially westerly winds which would push this out of the canyons," Kempton told us.

There's no decision on releasing the larger Type 1 team at this point. But large or small, the crews are seeing expressions of thanks from Bitterrooters of all ages for what they've been able to do.

HAMILTON- Some fire crews are being pulled off the Sawtooth Fire outside Hamilton as the fire conditions calm and become more sporadic.

The fire has scorched more than 5,000 acres since it was started by lightning late last month, and at one point it was burning within four miles of downtown Hamilton.

But fire managers saw calmer, and cooler conditions has helped to keep fire growth to a minimum the past few days.

The U.S. Forest Service still has a larger, Type 1 Incident Command Team managing the fire. While no decision has been made about scaling back to a smaller team, some crews and equipment are being cycled off the fire today so they can be used on other fires in the West.

The remaining crews will continue working to keep the fire from spreading further into adjacent canyons where it could flare up if the weather changes.

Smoke did lift somewhat on Wednesday afternoon, allowing helicopters to continue dropping water from the air.

(Photo: crews wrap up hose at the Sawtooth camp.)

HAMILTON- The Sawtooth Fire has grown to a little over 5,000 acres, but fire managers add that the blaze is now 40% contained.

A Stage 1 Evacuation Notice remains in effect and residents should continue to be prepared for changing conditions.

An update on the fire status will be presented Thursday by fire officials at the Bedford Building at Hamilton City Hall at 7 p.m., and the public is being encouraged to attend.

Hand crews are camped on the northern side of the fire and look to help in containing the fire by building fireline towards Barley Creek.

Meanwhile, hand crews on the southern edge continued to build fireline on the bottom of Sawtooth Creek.

Firefighters are also building a check line around the hot spot in the interior of the fire that was visible on the face in the Owings Creek area, according to a news release.

The lightning sparked blaze was first spotted on August 30th and nearly 350 personnel are assigned to the fire, which is still pumping lots of smoke into the Bitterroot Valley.

Sawtooth Creek Trail #123, Roaring Lion Trail #124, Ward Mountain Trail #208, and Canyon Creek Trail #525 are all closed due to fire activity. The Blodgett Campground is also closed.

(photo courtesy: Bitterroot National Forest)

HAMILTON- Fire managers say they're making good progress battling the nearly 4,900 acre Sawtooth Fire, with 35% of the blaze now contained.

Firefighters are nearing containment objectives of limiting the blaze from advancing into the residential areas, according to a news release. However, a Stage 1 Evacuation Notice remains in effect, and residents do need to continue to be prepared for changing conditions.

The fire is seeing the most growth along the western edge into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, and helicopters are still dropping water to stop the blaze from moving into Roaring Lion Creek to the south and into the Barley Creek drainage on the northern perimeter of the blaze.

Warm but dry weather conditions are expected over the next few days and heavy smoke will continue to linger in the valley all week.

Fire officials will be on hand Thursday evening to brief to public with the latest updates from the Sawtooth Fire. The meeting is set for Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Bedford Building at Hamilton City Hall.

There are nearly 415 people assigned to the fire and several area trails remain closed to the public.

(photo courtesy: Bitterroot National Forest)

HAMILTON- Fire crews are continuing to make progress battling the Sawtooth Fire burning just west of Hamilton. The blaze has burned nearly 4,900 acres and is now 30% contained, with the earlier Stage 2 evacuation warning lifted on Sunday.

Fire managers say that Monday morning has brought a change in the weather with the smoke inversions clearing earlier in the day, as well as a return to warmer and drier conditions.

(Photo courtesy John Lehrman)

Firefighters will continue scouting contingency lines between Canyon Creek and Blodgett Creek on the north side of the fire and to build direct handline upstream along Sawtooth Creek on Monday.

The Stage 2 evacuation orders were lifted early Sunday, but residents remain under a Stage 1 Evacuation warning, and should stay alert to changes in fire conditions and weather.

There are over 420 people assigned to the fire, including 11 crews, 13 engines, seven water tenders, one dozer and five helicopters.

Firefighters will continue to work on the contingency lines south of Sawtooth Creek to Roaring Lion Creek Monday, with a news release adding that helicopters will be available for bucket drops and aerial reconnaissance.

Sawtooth Creek Trail #123, Roaring Lion Trail 124, Ward Mountain Trail #208, and Canyon Creek Trail #525 are closed due to fire activity. The Blodgett Campground is also closed.

HAMILTON- The Stage 2 evacuation request that had been in effect for several residents living near where the Sawtooth Fire since September 10th is burning has been lifted. However, the Stage 1 evacuation alert and warning will remain in place.

Incident commanders and Ravalli County Sheriff Chris Hoffman decided to make the move effective at 8 a.m. Sunday after looking over the fire lines that have been set up to protect the populated areas west of Hamilton.

Fire officials say the Stage 1 evacuation Alert and Warning will remain in place as long as the fire remains active and there is a risk to the public.

There is still significant risk from this fire according to a news release and residents are urged to consider not returning large livestock or large trailers or other vehicles that may make access for firefighting difficult.

A Stage 1 Alert/Warning means that there is a probability that people will need to evacuate.

Meanwhile, sheriff's deputies will still maintain roadblocks to limit traffic to local residents only on Owings Creek Road and Westside Road, between the junction with Owings Creek Road, and the intersection with Roaring Lion Road.

The blaze held pretty steady on Saturday and has burned a little over 4,700 acres and is 25% contained as around 490 people battle the fire that was first spotted on August 30th.

HAMILTON- Fire officials say inversions are actually helping crews fighting the Sawtooth Fire west of Hamilton.

Fire Information Officer Paula Short says they were able to send quite a few helicopters up Saturday morning. She told us once the choppers lift above 1,000 feet, the visibility isn't as bad and they are able to execute their water drops.

Short says there was a little bit of fire growth along the northern and southern edge of the fire, and 4,725 acres are burning. The lightning caused fire is 25% contained as area residents are under various evacuation orders.

Firefighters are still working on structure protection along the eastern edge of the fire, and officials say the smoke in the Bitterroot valley is coming from a series of fires in the region, including the Mustang Complex Fire.

There are about 510 personnel assigned to the blaze, including 13 crews, 37 engines, 11 water tenders, five dozers and five helicopters.

HAMILTON- The smoke near Hamilton has been oppressive and has even made it tough for crews battling the Sawtooth Fire.

It didn't seem possible, but the smoke only got worse Friday in the Bitterroot Valley, and crews fighting the Sawtooth Fire had to change their firefighting efforts from the air because of limited visibility.

"It's definitely made our air operations folks have to make some adjustments in terms of their tactics for the day and knowing how long they'll be able to fly and how late it will be before they are able to get up into the air during the day" fire information officer Paula Short explained.

Many of the crew members have been on fire assignment since March around the U.S,. and the Bitterroot Valley's unhealthy to hazardous air quality status is starting to take its toll.

"Some people do struggle with it health wise and keep in mind, these men and women are doing high levels of physical exertion in these conditions and so, we have a medical unit here in the fire camp and they are keeping a tab on the firefighters, trying to keep everybody healthy," Short said.

The relative low humidity coupled with the Red Flag warning are making for active fire days and given the immediate weather outlook, things are starting to look bleak.

"The other big news for us, we were told this by the weather service yesterday is, we're looking out 10 to 14 days and we see no rain in sight," Short pointed out.

She says a cohesive effort with all hands on deck, whether it's crews fighting the blaze first hand or law enforcement going door to door alerting residents of the fire danger.

The lightning caused fire has consumed 4,725 and is currently 25% contained.

MISSOULA- Ravalli County skies have been filled wildfire smoke all week long, and on Friday morning health officials reported that the air quality in the Bitterroot has been "Very Unhealthy," and as of 10 a.m. it was considered "Hazardous" near the Sawtooth Fire in Hamilton.

Health officials recommend when air quality readings hit "hazardous," all children and adults should avoid or limit all outdoor exertion.

The Missoula area saw a brief break in the smoke overnight, but that changed Friday morning with the Missoula City-County Health Department saying that the "cumulative air quality is still Unhealthy," according to a news release.

Health officials are advising that people with heart or lung disease, smokers, children and the elderly limit heavy or prolonged exertion and limit time spent outdoors in the Missoula area. Meanwhile, people with asthma should follow their asthma management plan.

The conditions in the Missoula area expected to worsen as Friday wears on as more smoke from the Bitterroot makes its way north.

Sarah Coefield with the Missoula City-County Health Department says Friday and Saturday are expected to be "quite smoky," with a break possible on Saturday night.

Click here to learn more about the most recent air quality.

HAMILTON- The Sawtooth Fire expanding to over 4,600 acres on Thursday and is still 20% contained.

A National Weather Service forecast for critical fire weather prompted emergency officials to expand the Stage 1 Evacuation Notice, and while some evacuees were allowed back home Thursday, some areas remain under a Stage 2 Evacuation notice.

The expanded Stage 1 notice is for, "all residents east of the intersection of Blodgett Camp Road and Canyon Creek Road to West Hills Way, including all roads that intersect West Hills Way and north to Blodgett Creek. This includes all homes on Hilltop Drive, Tawny View and all other roads intersecting West Hills Way. Also included are the homes west of the intersection of Blodgett View Drive and Black Forest Drive, and the homes west of the intersection of Elk Ridge Road and Conifer Trail," according to a news release.

Fire managers add that the fire is still a threat to the area west of Hamilton and that crews spent Thursday reinforcing contingency lines, mopping up on the eastern edge of the fire and constructing dozer fire lines.

There is a Red Flag Warning in effect from noon until midnight Friday for gusty winds and low relative humidity.

A Type 1 Incident Management Team has taken over management of the fire and an information trailer on U.S. Highway 93 at Roaring Lion Road will be staffed as needed each day while this fire is active.

There are over 475 personnel assigned, including 11 crews, 30 engines, 11 water tenders, five dozers, and five helicopters still assigned to the Sawtooth Fire.

An evacuation shelter remains in place at the First Baptist Church in Hamilton and the Ravalli County Fairgrounds is still open for large animals and livestock evacuated because of the blaze.

The Ravalli County Commission declared a State of Emergency earlier this week while the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that they will be providing money to help defray firefighting costs.

The latest information on evacuations is available by calling the Ravalli County Emergency Operations Center at (406) 375.6650.

Sawtooth Creek Trail #123, Roaring Lion Trail 124, Ward Mountain Trail #208, and Canyon Creek Trail #525 are closed due to fire activity. Blodgett Campground is also closed.

HAMILTON- Some Ravalli County residents may have been a little confused Wednesday when they got a call telling them it was okay to return to their homes, even if they hadn't been evacuated because of the Sawtooth Fire.

The county ran into more problems using a "Reverse 911" system to notify only certain people that the evacuation orders were being changed. Reverse 911 is a system for authorities to make targeted telephone calls to specific neighborhoods to alert them of emergencies in their area.

Since over 300 homes impacted by Monday's evacuation order because of the advancing Sawtooth Fire, county officials felt using the Reverse 911 network would be a good way to spread the word that some people were cleared to go home.

However, when the calls went out, Ravalli County Sheriff Chris Hoffman says some notifications were made to the wrong addresses far outside the evacuation boundaries. That may have caused confusion for some people, but Hoffman asked the media to help send a message to all Bitterroot residents to disregard the calls if they received them.

Old-fashioned word of mouth from the county's notice earlier in the afternoon seemed to be working. Residents showing up as the roadblocks were lifted (in photo) seemed to have heard the right information.

County officials were expecting to review what happened and make another effort to get the system fully operational.

HAMILTON - Ravalli County officials are warning more residents that their homes may be in danger from the Sawtooth wildfire.

The Stage 1 evacuation notice, meaning people should be prepared to leave if asked, has been expanded to all residents east of the intersection of Blodgett Camp Road and Canyon Creek Road to West Hills Way. That includes all roads that intersect West Hills Way and north to Blodgett Creek, according to a Ravalli County Sheriff's Office press release.

The evacuation notice includes homes west of the intersection of Blodgett View Drive and Black Forest Drive, and west of the intersection of Elk Ridge Road and Conifer Trail.

County authorities wil be visiting homes in the area to warn people to prepare to evacuate upon notice.

The American Red Cross has set up an evacuation shelter at the First Baptist Church south of Hamilton while the Ravalli County Fairgrounds is accepting livestock and large animals.

The Bitter Root Humane Assocation is accepting small pets from evacuees, and evacuees looking for a pasture for their horses or cattle can call Linda Cik at 406-550-0888.

Ravalli County has set up a recorded phone line with current evacuation information at 406-375-6650.

Sawtooth Creek Trail #123, Roaring Lion Trail #124, and Canyon Creek Trail #525, and Blodgett camp ground are closed due to fire activity.

HAMILTON- Some Ravalli County residents are now back home, but are being kept on notice they might have to evacuate again if there's a flare-up on the Sawtooth Fire, that's burning just three to four miles from downtown Hamilton.

Wednesday was another day of cool weather met minimal growth on the Sawtooth Fire west of Hamilton, with the blaze growing only slightly to just over 4,200 acres.

During the evening briefing fire crews were told it was another successful day against the blaze, which started from a lightning storm a couple of weeks ago and roared into the valley floor when high winds hit the area Monday.

But U.S. Forest Service officials say this has probably only been a brief break ahead of more challenging conditions. Crews were told the forecast calls for a return to warmer temperatures to end the week, with afternoon humidity dropping into the single digits and a return to southwesterly winds on the ridgetops.

But the USFS is sending more horsepower to help. A Type 1 Incident Management Team with additional manpower and equipment started arriving Wednesday, and will take over management of the fire on Friday.

It had appeared that might mean moving the fire camp on Westside Road to the fairgrounds. But the new team's Incident Commander says the decision has been made to stay put, adding new trailers and other features for the command staff who are settling in for the long haul.

Meanwhile, some residents got to return home Wednesday evening. Residents living on the northern edge and outer perimeter of the fire were given permission to return home, but also warned by the Ravalli County Sheriff's Office they might have to evacuate again if conditions worsen.

"We still have a lot of fire up on the Sawtooth Dennis and we're going to continue to need to ask people for their cooperation. We hope we don't back into Stage 2 evacuation on the folks we put back in Stage 1," Ravalli County Sheriff Chris Hoffman explained.

"That Stage 1 does call for being ready to be evacuated at any point in time. Again hopefully we don't have to. But we surely appreciate the cooperation we've had from our neighbors up there," he concluded.

While for many residents it will be a relief to be home again after being displaced for a couple of days, the real relief won't come until the rains return.

HAMILTON - Some people evacuated from their homes because of the approaching Sawtooth Fire now can return with caution.

According to a press release issued Wednesday afternoon by the Ravalli County Sheriff's Office, the following residential areas are open to traffic: Paradise Trail/Blodgett camp Road, Nighthawk Lane, North Gold Creek Loop, Gold Creek Loop. Westside Road is open to local traffic only.

Officials say not to return with livestock, pets, property or any other items moved under the previous order.

The area is still very smoky, so anyone with respiratory problems should not return.

The following areas remain in Stage 2 evacuation: everything of the school bus turnaround on Wyant Lane, everything west of the intersection of Owings Creek Road and Owings Loop, Orion Belt Way, Two Horse Lane and everything west of the Roaring Lion and Westside Road intersection.

DENVER, CO- There's some federal money coming to the Bitterroot as crews continue to battle the Sawtooth Fire outside of Hamilton.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Tuesday morning that they have authorized federal funds to be used to help with firefighting costs.

FEMA Regional Administrator Robin Finegan approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) after receiving a request from state government officials.

The blaze has prompted a stage 2 evacuation of over 320 homes, affecting between 800 and 1,000 residents. The fire is also threatening cellular communication towers and water sheds near the area.

The Regional Administrator, Robin Finegan, determined that the fire, which began as the result of a lightning strike on August 30 and grew rapidly earlier this week due to high winds, "threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster," according to a news release.

The approval means that FEMA funding is available to pay 75% of the state's eligible firefighting costs for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire. However, the grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

The latest figures made available by fire managers showed that it's cost $2.2 million to battle the blaze so far.

The Ravalli County Commission declared a State of Emergency earlier this week, and the American Red Cross set up an evacuation shelter at the First Baptist Church.

Large animals and livestock are being accepted at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds while the Bitter Root Humane Association is accepting small pets that have been evacuated.

HAMILTON- The Sawtooth Fire saw little growth overnight and remains at 4,100 acres as it burns three to four miles from downtown Hamilton.

Fire officials say the blaze is still 15% contained and 325 are assigned to the fire which has forced hundreds from their homes.

A stage 2 evacuation notice remains in effect for all residential and commercial properties west of Westside Road, south of Paradise Trail and Blodgett Camp Road, and north of North Gold Creek Loop.

The notice means that residents need to evacuate the area because of the fire danger. The American Red Cross is still running an evacuation center at the First Baptist Church on Cooper Lane in Hamilton. They can be contacted at (406) 363.3735.

Livestock and large animals may be taken to the Ravalli County Fairgrounds, while evacuees may take small pets to the Bitter Root Humane Association in Hamilton.

Fire managers caution that the Sawtooth Fire still has "high" fire growth potential as it burns in remote, steep, rocky and rugged terrain where limited access is hindering a ground attack on the flames.

Fire officials have begun building a line on the northeast corner in the North Fork Owings Creek in hopes of stopping the fire's spread.

The Ravalli County Commission declared a State of Emergency earlier this week when the blaze rapidly grew after being pushed by gust winds.

Trail #123, Sawtooth Creek Trail. Trail #19 Boldgett Creek Trail. Trail #525 Canyon Creek Trail. Trail # 124 Roaring Lion Trail and Blodgett Canyon Campground are all closed to the public.

Hundreds of residents showed up at a Tuesday evening fire information briefing at Hamilton High School were the incident commander discussed efforts to contain the fire.

Officials have set up a telephone line at the fire camp. Residents may call (406) 363.3556 between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.

There is also a fire information trailer located south of Hamilton along U.S. Highway 93 across from Roaring Lion. It will be open from noon to 7 p.m. daily with the latest fire information and maps.

Ravalli County Emergency Services has also set up an evacuation notification line that has updated information, at (406) 375.6650.

HAMILTON- People displaced by the Sawtooth Fire west of Hamilton are being urged to "pull together" as firefighters settle in for a long battle against the latest blaze in the Bitterroot.

Monday night's community meeting had to be canceled because of the very active conditions on the Sawtooth Fire. So, Tuesday night provided the chance for people to get together and get a full briefing. And the message here was firefighter safety.

Hundreds of people gathered at Hamilton High School to get their first official briefing on the Sawtooth Fire, which has been burning for a couple of weeks but roared to life during high winds the past couple of days.

The winds helped the fire spill out of the canyons along the Bitterroot Front, burning to within three or four miles of downtown Hamilton.

Tuesday's weather was considerably more in the firefighters' favor, with temperatures a good 10 degrees cooler, with higher humidity and easterly winds helping to slow the fire's advance and push the smoke back into the mountains.

Fire crews explained that Monday's weather presented a real challenge, as the fire doubled in size. But they told the audience their week-old plan to build a contingency line paid off, saving dozens of homes. In fact, only one small, uninhabitable cabin was lost.

"And I think things unraveled real rapidly [Monday]. Had we not had that pre-planning, and had we not had resources and people in place. It could have been a whole different story," incident commander Tom Heintz explained.

The blaze didn't grow much Tuesday, and now measures 4,100 acres, while containment grew to 15%. But incident commanders warned there's a lot left to do, and there's no estimate on when the residents from over 300 houses will be able to return home.

Ravalli County Undersheriff Perry Johnson gave a passionate message, urging people to pull together, remembering the lessons from the 2000 fires, and putting firefighter safety first above any loss of property.

"I know that you love your homes. But I'm just going to say this. There's no home out there worth the life of any one of these firefighters, not one."

A shelter for evacuees has been set up by the American Red Cross at the First Baptist Church in Hamilton. Meanwhile, large animals and livestock can be taken to the Ravalli County Fairgrounds and small pets can be dropped off at the Bitter Root Humane Association.

HAMILTON- Firefighters get a break in the weather, but are settling in for the long haul, with more resources being ordered in the fight against the Sawtooth Fire.

Conditions couldn't be more different at the fire camp on Westside Road on Tuesday afternoon. The fierce westerly winds are gone, it's about 10-degrees cooler, and even the smoke has lifted somewhat.

But hundreds of people are still out of their homes, and there's a lot more work to do for the fire crews.

A fairly persistent easterly wind has been pushing the fire and smoke back toward the Bitterroot Front all day, giving us a better look at how the Sawtooth Fire jumped across drainages during the high winds for a couple of days.

It also allowed us to see the additional plume of dark smoke on the southern edge of the blaze, where fire crews set a backburn this morning in an attempt to keep the fire from spreading further to the south on Sawtooth Creek.

But the real sense of how tough this fire is comes from being on the firelines themselves. We caught up with the Prineville Hotshot Crew as they scaled up a very steep and very rocky slope on Grubstake Road, helping to re-enforce the perimeter of the fire, which is still only 5% contained.

And everywhere you can see evidence of the firelines doing their job, with brush, grass and downed limbs burning inside the line, but no evidence of fire outside. The latest estimate is that the fire is still around 4,000 acres.

The cooler conditions and higher humidities are exactly what was needed. But there's already concern about a return to warmer, windy weather later this week.

A Type 1 team, the most skilled available, has been ordered up and should arrive soon. That means more resources, and plans are underway to move the fire camp to the Ravalli County Fairgrounds to allow for more room.

Meanwhile, no structures have been lost. And people who had to evacuate left behind messages of thanks, and hope, that their properties can be kept safe.

HAMILTON- Fire officials plan to brief the public about the latest developments in the 3,950 acre Sawtooth Fire that's burning just outside of Hamilton.

Incident Commander Tom Heintz says the gathering will take place on Tuesday, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Hamilton High School.

Fire officials will be on-hand to talk about the latest from the Sawtooth Fire that has forced hundreds from their homes.

The American Red Cross is running a shelter for evacuees at the First Baptist Church in Hamilton while large animals and livestock are being accepted at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds.

The Bitter Root Humane Association is also lending a hand by accepting pets and "companion animals" at their facility in Hamilton.

The Ravalli County Commission declared a State of Emergency on Monday as the blaze roared to life while being fueled by gusty winds.

HAMILTON- The Sawtooth Fire now stands at 3,950 acres with fire officials reporting the blaze is now about three to four miles from downtown Hamilton. But fire officials say no structures were lost overnight and the firelines held.

A stage 2 evacuation notice remains in place for all residential and commercial properties West of Westside Road; South of Paradise Trail and Blodgett Camp Road; and North of North Gold Creek Loop. Authorities went door to door to around 400 business and homes Monday, telling residents to leave the area.

The Ravalli County Emergency Operations Center has a public information phone number, (406) 375.6650, and the American Red Cross is still running an evacuation center located at the First Baptist Church on Cooper Lane in Hamilton. Anyone seeking information about the shelter can call (406) 363.3735.

Meanwhile, livestock and large animals are being accepted at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds while evacuees can bring small pets to the Bitter Root Humane Association on Fairgrounds Road.

Fire managers say the night shift reported a good night even as the fire was burning actively. The blaze was burning high on the mountain with group torching not uncommon during the night.

Infrared mapping shows fire is growing on both the north and the south flanks of the fire and lots of ash and embers falling over the area, according to a news release. Fire managers plan to begin hitting the blaze from the air again on Tuesday suppression forces on the line.

An information trailer on U.S. Highway 93 at Roaring Lion Road will be staffed as needed each day while this fire is active. It's cost about $1.8 million to fight the blaze so far, and 244 people are assigned to the Sawtooth Fire.

HAMILTON- The Sawtooth Fire roared to life near Hamilton on Monday, prompting officials to evacuate hundreds of homes.

The American Red Cross set up a shelter at the First Baptist Church in Hamilton, and there are also at least two places in the Bitterroot where residents can take their animals.

The Ravalli County Fairgrounds on Old Corvallis Road began accepting livestock and large animals on Monday.

Evacuees who plan on dropping off livestock are asked to call (406) 363.3411 ahead of time if possible.

Some paperwork will need to be filled out, however if you arrive when the office is closed, the east gate will be open and livestock can be left in pens. The paperwork can be filled out the next day.

However, officials are reminding owners that it is their responsibility to care for their animals.

Meanwhile, the Bitter Root Humane Association in Hamilton contacted Montana's News Station late Monday to say they they are prepared to take in pets of people who have had to evacuate from the Sawtooth Fire.

They are open at 8 p.m. and are located on Fairgrounds Road in Hamilton and may be reached by calling (406) 363-5449. They are accepting "companion animals."

HAMILTON- With the sky turning that frightening amber color, Hamilton residents survived a day of fire pressing against the outskirts of town on Monday. Although the Sawtooth Fire doubled in size because of high winds, fire lines held, protecting more than 300 structures in harm's way.

The sun little more than a disk of orange for most of the day as fire crews launched their biggest attack yet against the lightning-caused Sawtooth Fire, fighting as high winds threatened to spill the inferno out of the canyons of the Bitterroot Range and into the neighborhoods west of Hamilton.

Gusts as high as 30 mph and 40 mph on the ridge tops fanned the blaze down the Sawtooth Creek Valley like a wind tunnel for most of the day Monday, pushing it into an area of homes off Westside Road.

Ravalli County Sheriff's deputies went door-to-door enacting a Stage 2 Evacuation Alert and residents grabbed what belongings they could and headed out of the fire zone.

Maps showed how the fire had pushed some five miles out of the canyon, doubling to 2,600 acres, but the fire crews "contingency line" of cleared trails and staged equipment held...

"We had a test today. I think we had a test with the weather. We could have more of that. But we did really well. So I'm just real proud and real thankful," Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor Julie King said.

"So it's looking good so far. Although that being said, we do have some spots across, south of Sawtooth Creek. And it's make another plan to keep that in and hold it [Tuesday]," added Operations Section Chief Joe Brabender.

The primary problems for creews were the continued high winds, which kept gusting right into the evening, and were blowing much stronger at the higher elevations. That's exactly what was expected, although fortunately winds were a less than forecast..

Meanwhile, the American Red Cross Shelter at the First Baptist Church south of Hamilton was fairly quiet, with just a few people stopping by for emergency shelter. But, that could change as more people leave their homes.

Fire managers say the blaze definitely tested their fire planning and strategy on Monday, but now they'll get a break for a couple of days, hoping to get some control on this fire before warmer conditions return at the end of the week.

The Ravalli County Commission declared a State of Emergency on Monday and the Ravalli County fairgrounds was opened up to evacuees who needed a place to take their large animals and livestock.

HAMILTON- It was a busy day for fire managers working on the Sawtooth blaze on Monday as the blaze reached 2,600 acres.

The fire, burning about seven miles southwest of Hamilton, is 5% contained, according to a Monday evening press release from fire officials.

Five crews and 244 firefighters are on the scene, and three injuries have been reported.

The Stage 2 evacuation notice is still in effect for all properties west of Westside Road, south of Paradise Trail and Blodgett Camp Road and north of North Gold Creek Loop.

You can call the Ravalli County Emergency Operations Center's information number at (406) 375.6650 on the blaze.

The Ravalli County Commission has declared a State of Emergency and shelters have been set up for evacuees and large animals/livestock.

The American Red Cross has established an evacuation center at the First Baptist Church at 345 Cooper Lane in Hamilton. The phone number for the shelter is (406) 363.3735.

Large animals and livestock may be taken to the Ravalli County Fairgrounds on Old Corvallis Road.

UPDATE: The Bitter Root Humane Society is accepting evacuated residents' small pets beginning at 8 a.m Tuesday.

(Photo from viewer Sherry Myers.)

HAMILTON- The Sawtooth Fire moved quickly in the past 24 hours, leading the Ravalli County Sheriff's Office to evacuate some 400 homes and businesses on Monday. Ravalli County Sheriff Chris Hoffman is confident in the resilience of his community.

"This is the Bitterroot. We've dealt with fires for a dozen years in Ravalli County. The residents here know the drill. Our folks take care of each other, they look after their neighbors, and that's exactly what we would expect would happen in 2012 on this Sawtooth Fire."

One evacuee who is not surprised is Hamilton resident Jean Grifo, who suspected this day was around the corner.

"From the time we moved into the house we realized that we're living in the woods. This is always a possibility," Grifo said.

Leaving one's home can be extremely difficult, but Jean and his wife Linda have been prepared.

"And we've always had what we called the 'Stash.' You grab the most important things and then we've got time to come back and get some other things we feel are a part of our lives," Grifo said.

"It's been tense, at times, I think for a lot of people, but I think a lot of people are just saying, 'okay, this is the way it goes and this is what we have to do.'"

The American Red Cross of Montana deployed volunteers and opened a shelter for the Sawtooth fire evacuees at the First Baptist Church at 354 Cooper Lane in Hamilton on Monday afternoon.

Anyone needing assistance should call 800.272.6668 and ask for the Red Cross Duty Officer.

Meanwhile, the Ravalli County Fairgrounds is offering shelter for large animals and livestock that have been evacuated because of the Sawtooth Fire.

The Ravalli County Commission also declared a State of Emergency on Monday and air quality was considered to be "unhealthy."

HAMILTON- Several hundred homes are now under a Stage 2 evacuation notice as the Sawtooth Fire continues to burn near Hamilton.

Incident Commander Tom Heintz conferred with Ravalli County law enforcement and fire officials on Monday and recommended the Stage 2 evacuation notice.

The notice covers all residential and commercial properties west of Westside Road; all areas south of Paradise Trail and Blodgett Camp Road; NightHawk Lane South, and roads that access off Night Hawk Lane; and areas north of North Gold Creek Loop.

Ravalli County Sheriff Chris Hoffman says deputies have been going door-to-door to tell residents to leave their homes.

A Stage 2 evacuation notice means evacuation is necessary in order to protect the lives of area occupants and emergency personnel responding to the incident.

Law enforcement will set up roadblocks and 24-hour patrols to protect property within the evacuated area.

The Ravalli County Commission has declared a State of Emergency and shelters have been set up for evacuees and large animals/livestock.

The American Red Cross has established an evacuation center at the First Baptist Church at 345 Cooper Lane in Hamilton. The phone number for the shelter is (406) 363.3735. Large animals and livestock may be taken to the Ravalli County Fairgrounds on Old Corvallis Road.

Meanwhile, Sawtooth Creek Trail #123 remains closed due to fire activity. The Blodgett Campground is closed, Roaring Lion Trail #124 is closed and Cany 0n Creek Trail #525 is closed.

HAMILTON- Ravalli County commissioners have declared a state of emergency because of the dangers being posed by two major wildfires being fanned by high winds in the Bitterroot.

County commissioners passed the emergency resolution Monday morning because of concerns about the growth and proximity of both the Sawtooh Fire burning west of Hamilton and the 281,000 Mustang Complex Fire burning in Idaho.

Commissioner Suzy Foss says the board passed the declaration in order to protect the "safety and welfare" of county residents, and especially people living near the two fire zones.

The declaration authorizes the Ravalli County Sheriff's Office and other emergency responders to take steps to protect people with evacuations and other measures and also opens the door to eventual funding helping from the state if that becomes necessary.

HAMILTON- The Ravalli County Fairgrounds is now accepting large animals and livestock that are being evacuated from the Sawtooth Fire west of Hamilton.

The fairgrounds officially began accepting animals on Monday morning, and if you plan on dropping off livestock, please call (406) 363.3411, ahead of time if possible.

Some paperwork will need to be filled out. However if you arrive after the office is closed at 5 p.m., the east gate will be open and livestock can be left in pens.

The paperwork can be filled out the next day. Officials are reminding owners that it is their responsibility to care for their animals.

The Ravalli County Fairgrounds is located on Old Corvallis Road in Hamilton.

The Sawtooth Fire has grown to 1,300 acres and over 320 homes are now under a Stage 2 fire evacuation, and are being told to leave their homes.

The American Red Cross has established an evacuation center at the First Baptist Church at 345 Cooper Lane in Hamilton. The phone number for the shelter is (406) 363.3735.

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HAMILTON- Ravalli County Sheriff Chris Hoffman says a Stage 2 evacuation notice is now in effect near the Sawtooth Fire, and his deputies are going door-to-door advising residents to leave their homes.

The American Red Cross has established an evacuation center at the First Baptist Church at 345 Cooper Lane in Hamilton. The phone number for the shelter is (406) 363.3735.

All residential and commercial properties West of Westside Road; South of Paradise Trail and Blodgett Camp Road; and North of North Gold Creek Loop are effected by the upgraded evacuation order.

Meanwhuile, the Ravalli County Commission declared a State of Emergency on Monday morning due to the Sawtooth Fire.

Fire managers say that Monday morning fire observations show that sustained winds of 30 mph with gusts to 50 mph over the top of the ridge this fire is on, are hitting the 1,300 acre blaze.

The winds have pushed the fire to the east and south, in the direction of the bottom of Sawtooth Canyon. It is likely to have spotted over the top into Canyon Creek as well.

Sheriff Hoffman told us Sunday evening that around 350 homes were in the evacuation area. A fire information meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday at the Bedford Building on Second Street in Hamilton.

We will provide information on this developing story as information becomes available.

HAMILTON- Local health officials report that the air quality in Hamilton is "unhealthy" as several wildfires continue to pour smoke into the Bitterroot Valley.

Ravalli County Environmental Health Director Lea Guthrie adds in a news release that the 24 hour averages in Hamilton reached "hazardous" overnight.

The hourly particulate data are collected in downtown Hamilton and Guthrie points out smoke conditions can be variable depending on where you are in the valley and can rapidly change. High winds may temporarily disperse smoke, but also increase fire activity and produce more smoke.

The hourly air quality data show that Monday's air quality is in the "unhealthy" range, which means that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; while everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion.

Click here to view the latest smoke forecast issued by Montana Department of Environmental Quality. The Sawtooth Fire outside of Hamilton blew up to 1,300 acres after being fanned by gusty winds.

HAMILTON- Hundreds of homes remain on a Stage 1 evacuation notice as the Sawtooth Fire near Hamilton has now grown to 1,300 acres burned.

The blaze was fanned by strong winds on Sunday, pushing the blaze from 570 acres to 800 acres, and then to the current 1,300 acres. The blaze is just 5% contained.

Over 250 are battling the fire, that's prompted officials to order a stage 1 evacuation notice on Sunday for all residential and commercial properties west of Westside Road; south of Paradise Trail and Blodgett Camp Road; and north of North Gold Creek Loop.

The notice means there's a good chance that people will need to evacuate the area, with fire officials reporting that residents with special health needs or other concerns, should leave now. People looking for more information may call the Ravalli County Emergency Operations Center at (406) 375.6650.

Ravalli County Sheriff Chris Hoffman told us a large area is covered by the notice, with around 350 homes under the warning.

Fire officials flew over the Sawtooth Fire on Sunday night using infrared mapping which shows the fire is actually moving in two, possibly three fronts. Flames have spotted over into the head of Barley Creek and the North Fork of Owings Creek on the Northeast edge. The fire is also moving to the southeast toward Sawtooth Creek.

Fire crews are planning to get helicopters in the air on Monday to drop retardant, but their use may be limited due to windy conditions, according to a news release. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect until noon on Monday, with winds of up to 40 mph to 50 mph possible.

An information trailer on U.S. Highway 93 at Roaring Lion Road is being staffed from noon until 7 p.m. daily.

Sawtooth Creek Trail #123, Roaring Lion Trail #124, and Canyon Creek Trail #525 are all closed due to fire activity.

It's cost over $1.5 million so far to fight the fire.

HAMILTON- New numbers show that Sunday's winds have pushed the Sawtooth Fire near Hamilton to 800 acres, and a Stage 1 evacuation notice remains in effect for some are residents.

The area was under a Red Flag warning on Sunday, and when the winds whipped up during the afternoon hours, the blaze grew from the previous 570 acres.

All residential and commercial properties west of Westside Road, south of Paradise Trail and Blodgett Camp Road, and north of North Gold Creek Loop are now under the evacuation notice.

Local emergency officials have been telling residents in the area that there's a good chance they'll need to evacuate.

Sustained winds of 30 mph hit the area Sunday, with gusts up to 50 mph seen over the top of the ridge the fire is burning on.

Fire officials say the winds pushed the blaze to the east and south, toward the bottom of Sawtooth Canyon, and may have spotted over the top into Canyon Creek as well.

Additional trail closures are being prepared and will include: Roaring Lion Trail and Canyon Creek Trails Meanwhile, Sawtooth Creek Trail #123 remains closed due to fire activity.

HAMILTON- Growth of the Sawtooth Fire in the mountains west of Hamilton, coupled with high winds, is prompting the U.S. Forest Service to issue a Stage 1 Evacuation Alert and Warning for some areas in the Bitterroot Foothills.

Bitterroot National Forest officials say residents west of Westside Road, south of Paradise Trail and Blodgett Gap Road and north of Gold Creek Loop are advised to be on alert for a possible evacuation if the fire should spread.

Fire managers say gusting winds have made the fire very active in the past few hours. They can't get new mapping because of the smoke, but it appears the fire has grown about 200 acres Sunday.

Winds are gusting around 30-mph, with some gusts as high as 50 mph at the higher elevations. Helicopters dropping water on the fire had to be grounded because of the dangerous conditions.

We'll continue to track the changing conditions and pass along further information as it becomes available.

HAMILTON- The Sawtooth Fire may be in some of the most difficult terrain out of all the fires burning in the state right now.

The lightning-caused blaze, which started a week ago about seven miles west of Hamilton, is burning on cliffs and extremely steep terrain in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. And that's forcing fire crews to use some innovation as they try to keep the 420 acre fire from getting out of hand.

Forest Service officials say crews working on the edge of the fire in Sawtooth Creek have been using hoses and sprinklers to spray water in an attempt to raise the humidity on the steep southern edge of the fire. That area is a concern for fire managers because of rolling debris and the chance for the fire to spread.

Other crews are working to deploy special portable equipment to help with more accurate use of fire retardant.

The fire was only 5% contained as of Friday morning.

HAMILTON- The Sawtooth Fire burning in the Bitterroot National Forest has grown to 400 acres after being push by gusty winds on Monday afternoon. The lightning caused blaze is about seven miles southwest of Hamilton in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, west of Downing Mountain.

Tod McKay with the Bitterroot National Forest says 20 firefighters were flown to a helispot near the fire on Tuesday morning. They will work to stop the fire's spread by putting in a containment line around the eastern edge to keep it from reaching heavy fuels and timber, according to a news release.

McKay says a second crew will continue to install sprinklers along Sawtooth Creek to raise humidity levels and keep the fire from spreading there. Overall, there are about 50 people working on the fire, including a pair of 20-person fire crews.

There are also two helicopters using buckets to drop water on the fire, with McKay adding 40 hotshots are on the way to Hamilton and should arrive by Wednesday.

The blaze is burning in remote, extremely steep and rugged terrain with heavy fuels and Sawtooth Creek trail has been closed down because of the fire.

Officials are setting up a fire camp along West Side Road and a fire information trailer has been opened along U.S. Highway 93 South across from Roaring Lion. It will be open from noon to 8 p.m daily with the latest fire information, area closures and maps.

HAMILTON- The Sawtooth Fire burning in the Bitterroot National Forest remains at 310 acres as it burns five miles west of Hamilton in the Bitterroot Mountains near Downing Mountain.

Fire crews plan to spend the of Labor Day installing sprinkler systems along the fire's western edge to keep the fire from spreading into Canyon Creek where there are heavy fuels and dense timber.

Rod McKay with the Bitterroot National Forest says the blaze is still moving to the west, away from Hamilton, as it burns in extremely steep and rugged terrain, on the top of the ridge, which is making access difficult for fire crews.

Twi helicopters have been using buckets to drop water on the fire while a pair of 20 man crews work to install sprinkler systems and build containment line. McKay adds that a Type 1 hotshot crew has been called in, and a Type 2 incident management team has also been ordered.

Sawtooth Creek Trail remains closed because of the blaze.

McKay added in a press release that a fire information trailer is located south of Hamilton along U.S. Highway 93 across from Roaring Lion. It will be open from noon to 8 p.m. daily with the latest fire information, area closures and maps.

HAMILTON- The Sawtooth Fire burning five miles from Hamilton in the Bitterroot National Forest has grown to 310 acres.

The lightning caused fire is in the Bitterroot Mountains near Downing Mountain, about two miles southwest of the Downing Mountain Fire that burned in 2010.

Tod McKay with the Bitterroot National Forest reports Saturday afternoon's winds fanned the fire and that an inferred flight overnight confirmed the acreage figure.

The fire is moving away from town as it burns in extremely steep and rugged terrain, on the top of the ridge making it very difficult for firefighters to access on foot.

There are currently two helicopters using buckets to drop water on the blaze and a pair of 20 person crews are expected to arrive on the scene on Labor Day.

McKay says crews will work to stop the fire spread and put containment line around the fire's western edge to keep it from reaching heavy fuels and timber.

Sawtooth Creek Trail has been closed because of the wildfire.