(UPDATE 6:15 P.M.) A suspicious device that shut down an area near Bigfork on Saturday was determined to not be a threat to the public.
The Flathead County Sheriff's Office shared an update around 6 p.m. stating the scene has cleared.
An earlier report indicated a suspicious device was found Saturday morning during a highway cleanup.
The suspicious device was taken to the Ferndale Fire Department while the Missoula County Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was called in to help evaluate and dispose of the device, if necessary.
The device was later determined to not contain any dangerous materials.
The area, including the section of Highway 209, has since reopened.
The Flathead County Sheriff's Office thanked the public for its patience.
(UPDATE 5:20 P.M.) An area near Bigfork is shut down after a suspicious device was found during a highway cleanup Saturday morning.
The device was found near the intersection of Highway 209 and Ferndale Drive, according to the Flathead County Sheriff's Office. The device was then taken to the Ferndale Fire Department.
The Flathead County Sheriff's Office requested assistance from the Missoula County Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, which is responding to evaluate and safely dispose of the device, if necessary.
Law enforcement has established a perimeter around the area, which means a section of Highway 209 near Ferndale Drive is closed.
The public is asked to avoid the area and find an alternate route.
(1ST REPORT, 3:15 P.M.) A shelter-in-place order is in effect for an area near Bigfork due to a report of an explosive device.
The Flathead County Office of Emergency Services posted around 2:30 p.m. Saturday that an explosive device has been reported in the area of Highway 209 and Ferndale Drive.
Residents in the area are being advised to shelter in place. People are asked to stay inside and away from windows and doors.
The public is asked to avoid the area.
Details are limited at this time, but MTN is working to get more information.
