Ravalli County Sheriff's Office

Ravalli County Sheriff's Office This page was formed to better communicate with the community we protect and serve. We will consult and plan before we decide and act.

All members of the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office will focus on doing the right thing on behalf of our community and their co-workers at all times - today and in the future. The men and women who serve full time or as volunteers with the RCSO are your friends, family, and neighbors. They attend church with you; their children go to school with your children. They are dedicated to keeping your com

munity as safe as possible. General Information
This is a Non-Emergency communication website. If you have an emergency call 911. Reports are not take on the site and it is not monitored 24/7. If you would like to report a crime or suspicious activity, please contact Dispatch at (406)363-3033. Opinions expressed by visitors to the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office page are their own and do not reflect the opinions of the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office. We welcome your comments, suggestions and feedback. We do however reserve the right to remove offensive or inappropriate content posted to our page. Content that is considered in appropriate or offensive includes but is not limited to:
• Any content promoting or advertising a business or commercial transaction.
• The use of obscene, threatening or harassing language.
• Personal attacks of any kind.
• Offensive comments that target any group or individual.
• Comments advocating illegal activity.
• Posting that violates copyrights or trademarks.
• Any content of a political nature. The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office reserves the right to amend or modify these rules at any time.

If you or your organization would like to sponsor Man Up Crusade bounty stock, please stop at the Man Up Crusade booth a...
09/04/2026

If you or your organization would like to sponsor Man Up Crusade bounty stock, please stop at the Man Up Crusade booth at the entrance of the grandstands

Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton and the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office invite you to join the Man Up Crusade at the...
09/04/2026

Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton and the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office invite you to join the Man Up Crusade at the Ravalli County Fair and Rodeo tonight. Everyone is encouraged to wear purple to raise awareness of domestic violence in our community and support victims. Tonight we will have sponsored “bounty stock” powdered with purple. If the cowboy rides his bull or bronc, they will receive a check for $250 and a Man Up rodeo belt buckle. Stop by the Man Up Crusade booth at the entrance of the grandstands to buy your purple Man Up Crusade apparel, split the pot tickets, and Join the Crusade to Break the Cycle and End Domestic Violence! All of the money raised goes to our local domestic violence shelter SAFE In The Bitterroot.
If you or your organization would like to sponsor the bounty stock, please inquire at the Man Up Crusade booth!!
The mission of the Man Up Crusade is to reduce domestic violence in society and contribute to social change by promoting safe and healthy relationships through education, advocacy and funding community services and programs that share in our mission.
The Man Up Crusade was created by Canyon County Sheriff, Kieran Donahue. Kieran grew up on a cattle ranch in Eastern Idaho and learned from an early age the definition of hard work and dedication. His western heritage taught him strong family values and gave him the strength to overcome trials and tribulations.

As Kieran’s career in law enforcement developed, he saw first-hand the traumatic affects that domestic violence has on victims and their families. Domestic Violence has become an epidemic in our society and is a public health and safety issue - it is with these facts in mind that Kieran began this journey called the Man Up Crusade.

Kieran and his wife Jeanie live the western lifestyle every day and what a better tie in to their program than the American Cowboy…people all over country idolize the cowboy image and the western way of life. The cowboy is an iconic figure of strength, conviction and fortitude. The cowboy never backs away from a job or never quits until the task before him is finished. The cowboy understands the fundamental belief that right is right and wrong is wrong. It is the goal of the Man Up Crusade to celebrate this courageous spirit and be an example to people everywhere that we can stand up for what is right and help put an end to domestic violence.
Although the exact history of the purple ribbon is difficult to pinpoint. Across the country families of victims have adopted the purple ribbon to remember and honor their loved ones who have lost their lives at the hands of a person they once loved and trusted. Shelters and local battered womens programs use the purple ribbon to raise awareness about the crime of domestic violence in their communities. In addition to the demonstration of support for victims and advocates, the display of purple ribbons throughout a community conveys a powerful message that there is no place for domestic violence in the homes, neighborhoods, workplaces or schools of its citizens.
The K Donahue Foundation, Inc. DBA Man Up Crusade® is a non-profit organization designed to bring awareness to the issue of domestic violence. Domestic violence is an epidemic in our society and a public health and safety concern.

A child's exposure to domestic abuse is the strongest risk factor for transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next. Awareness is the first step in enacting change and the Man Up Crusade is dedicated to creating awareness and breaking the cycle of violence.

Domestic Violence Facts:
• Every 9 seconds a woman in the United States is assaulted or beaten.
• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
• Every day in the United States an average of 3 women and 1 man are murdered by their domestic partner.
• Children who witness domestic violence in their home are twice as likely to become abusers or victims as adults.
• 10 million children in United States witness some form of domestic violence annually.
• 92 percent of women surveyed listed domestic violence and sexual assault as their top concern.
• Almost 50% of all police calls for service are for domestic violence.

Friday, 09-04-2026 at 10 a.m.Nature Grove Fire Evacuation Warnings LiftedRavalli County Sheriff Steve Holton said that t...
09/04/2026

Friday, 09-04-2026 at 10 a.m.
Nature Grove Fire Evacuation Warnings Lifted
Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton said that the fire evacuation warnings on Skalkaho Highway were lifted this morning. Sheriff Holton said that recent weather and good work by the Bitterroot National Forest Incident Command Team and firefighters allowed the decision to be made with the Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department.
Residents should remember that the Nature Grove Fire is not out, and if fire weather gets critical again flare ups can be expected. Skalkaho Highway is open without pilot cars. Enjoy the Ravalli County Fair and Rodeo!!

09/04/2026

This is why we exist - to help prevent su***de among Veterans and First Responders. Our place exists for you, a place to bring your group to focus on mental health, resilience, and connection.

This month, this day, and every day, it's OK to not be OK. We all have days when we are not OK. The key is to talk it out. If you need help, reach out to a friend, a loved one, any of us. If you see someone struggling, reach out. You matter. Your life matters. We are here for you.

If you don't know who to call, just dial 988 to help yourself or find help for someone who is struggling. You are not alone.

09/04/2026

Nature Grove Fire Update
09/04/2026


Bitterroot National Forest
Local Type 3 Incident Command Team; Incident Commander: David Tingley Fire Information Phone: 406-420-3096 Email: [email protected]

Size: 1422 acres
Location: Approximately one half mile from Black Bear Campground, south of Highway 38 (Skalkaho
Highway) 13 miles east of Hamilton MT
Cause: Lightning Start Date: Aug. 23, 2026 Resources: 345 personnel

Key Message: Pilot car operations have ended on Highway 38 and the 714 Road (Gird Point) has reopened to the public. Travelers and recreators are still advised to exercise caution when they are near the Nature Grove Fire perimeter as firefighters and heavy equipment will be traveling on nearby roads and to respect existing road closures on the 711, 720, and 75 road for firefighter safety and operational effectiveness.

Current Status:
Rain fell overnight on the Nature Grove fire, reducing fire behavior, but the fire remains on the landscape and will become more active as fuels dry out. Yesterday, firefighters took advantage of breaks in the rain to continue building primary and contingency lines. Today, heavy equipment and hand crews will continue constructing primary and contingency lines, reducing ladder fuels, and plumbing handlines in preparation for burning operations that will secure the lines. The top priority of all operations is to protect values at risk, including private property, structures and livestock.

Weather and Fire Behavior:
Waves of showers and cloud cover are anticipated Friday and Saturday. Chances for wetting rain are highest on Friday night with the most likelihood of lightning during late afternoon and early evening. Cool temperatures will continue in the next few days with good relative humidity recoveries overnight.

Closures:
Forest Service Road 75 is closed from Highway 38 to the junction of Forest Service Road 720. FS Roads 720, and 711 remain closed. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in effect over the Nature Grove Fire. Flying any aircraft, including drones (UAS), is prohibited because it will impact the effectiveness and safety of firefighting air operations.

Incident Information:
https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverBitterrootNF https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/bitterroot/alerts https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtbrf-nature-grove-fire https://www.mtfireinfo.org/

We need your support to keep this great program alive, hope to see you there!!
09/03/2026

We need your support to keep this great program alive, hope to see you there!!

08/30/2026

🔥Nature Grove Fire Update Aug. 30, 2026 🔥

Size: 991 acres
Location: Approximately one half mile from Black Bear Campground, south of Highway 38 (Skalkaho Highway) 13 miles east of Hamilton MT
Cause: Lightning Start Date: Aug. 23, 2026 Resources: 237 personnel

Key Message: Expect traffic delays, up to 20 minutes, on Highway 38 due to pilot car operations put in effect for firefighter and public safety. The public should be aware that the 714 Road (Gird Point) may be closed due to changes in fire behavior. Watch for closure updates on the Bitterroot National Forest Facebook.

Evacuation Warning Notice: As of Aug. 23, 2026, 9:48 p.m. Evacuation Warnings have been issued to residents on the east end of Skalkaho Highway due to the Nature Grove Fire. The warnings were issued in conjunction with USFS Incident Command, Operations as well as the Hamilton Fire Department in coordination with Ravalli County Sherriff’s office. Residents east of the 1800 block (which is around mile marker 9) on both sides of Skalkaho Highway have been issued Evacuation Warnings. Please refer to the Ravalli County Office of Emergency Management at http://ravallicounty.gov and the Bitterroot National Forest page at https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverBitterrootNF/ and website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/bitterroot/alerts for more information.

Current Status:
Growth on the Nature Grove Fire was minimal yesterday due to milder wind conditions, intermittent precipitation and aerial water drops over the fire area.
The fire remains approximately half a mile from the Highway 38 and preparations to receive fire in that area have been completed. Structure protection preparations continue around buildings along Highway 38.
Heavy equipment operators will continue to construct fuel breaks.
The Bear Gulch Fire (about a half mile southwest of Nature Grove Fire) is secured and is in patrol status.
To the west, crews continue to build and enhance containment features to secure the fire’s western flank.
Five aircraft are available to this fire and will continue to with assist in water drops and support missions.
The top priority of all operations is to protect values at risk, including private property, structures and livestock.

Weather and Fire Behavior:
Dry weather is forecast in the fire area with only a slight possibility of a thunder storm and little chance of wetting rain. A warming and drying trend will begin as high pressure rebuilds.

Closures:
Forest Service Road 75 is closed from Highway 38 to the junction of Forest Service Road 720. FS Roads 720 and 711 remain closed. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in effect over the Nature Grove Fire. Flying any aircraft, including drones (UAS), is prohibited.

Incident Information:
https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverBitterrootNF https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/bitterroot/alerts
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtbrf-nature-grove-fire
https://www.mtfireinfo.org/

Ravalli County Sheriff's Office
Ravalli County Office of Emergency Management

📷 Personnel assigned to the Nature Grove Fire receive information from incident leaders before starting their work for the day.

08/29/2026

🔥Nature Grove Fire Update Aug. 29, 2026 🔥

Size: 990 acres
Location: Approximately one half mile from Black Bear Campground, south of Highway 38 (Skalkaho highway) 13 miles east of Hamilton MT
Cause: Lightning Start Date: Aug. 23, 2026 Resources: 169 personnel
Key Message: Starting today, Aug. 29, expect traffic delays on Highway 38 (Skalkaho Hwy). Drivers are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel and be aware of fire crews and heavy equipment in the area.

Evacuation Warning Notice: As of Aug. 23, 2026, 9:48 p.m. Evacuation Warnings have been issued to residents on the east end of Skalkaho Highway due to the Nature Grove Fire. The warnings were issued in conjunction with USFS Incident Command, Operations as well as the Hamilton Fire Department in coordination with Ravalli County Sherriff’s office. Residents east of the 1800 block (which is around mile marker 9) on both sides of Skalkaho Highway have been issued Evacuation Warnings. Please refer to the Ravalli County Office of Emergency Management at http://ravallicounty.gov and the Bitterroot National Forest page at https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverBitterrootNF/ and website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/bitterroot/alerts for more information.

Current Status:
The Nature Grove Fire grew 135 acres yesterday. Growth to the north and west was minimal due to milder wind conditions and multiple aerial water drops over the area. Fire continues burning in steep terrain and after a reconnaissance flight was seen to be burning in rocky, loose gravel on the northwestern flank.
The fire remains approximately half a mile from the road and crews are preparing to receive the fire if it reaches the highway. Today, heavy equipment operators will continue to construct fuel breaks. Firefighters will continue to build handline around Highway 38 and engine crews and hotshots will continue to focus on protecting structures along Highway 38 (Skalkaho). The Bear Gulch Fire (about a half mile southwest of Nature Grove Fire) is secured, and an engine crew will remain to staff this fire. To the west, crews continue to build and enhance containment features to secure the fire’s western flank.
Five aircraft are assigned to this fire and will assist in water drops and air attack missions.
The top priority of all operations is to protect values at risk, including private property, structures and livestock.

Weather and Fire Behavior:
A trough digging into the Pacific Northwest will push the monsoon moisture in the area to the southeast. The result is less thunderstorms in the area today with dry and breezy conditions. Temperatures will also trend cooler and humidity will tend slightly higher over the next couple of days. The next chance for rain and thunderstorms will be Saturday when the aforementioned trough moves inland.

Closures:
Forest Service Road 75 is closed from Highway 38 to the junction of Forest Service Road 720. FS Roads 720 and 711 remain closed. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in effect over the Nature Grove Fire. Flying any aircraft, including drones (UAS), is prohibited.

Local Type 3 Incident Command Team; Incident Commander: David Tingley
Fire Information Phone: 406-420-3096 Email: [email protected]

Incident Information:
https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverBitterrootNF https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/bitterroot/alerts
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtbrf-nature-grove-fire
https://www.mtfireinfo.org/

📸The far right side of this photo shows one of the contingency lines firefighters constructed. This contingency line is located northwest of the Nature Grove Fire and south of Highway 38.

08/28/2026

🔥Nature Grove Fire Update Aug. 28, 2026🔥

Size: 855 acres
Location: Approximately one half mile from Black Bear Campground, south of Highway 38 (Skalkaho highway) 13 miles east of Hamilton MT
Cause: Lightning Start Date: Aug. 23, 2026 Resources: 165 personnel
Key Message: Expect an increase in fire activity and potential delays along Highway 38 (Skalkaho Rd) for the next several days. Drivers are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel and be aware of fire crews and heavy equipment in and along the roadway.

Evacuation Warning Notice: As of Aug. 23, 2026, 9:48 p.m. Evacuation Warnings have been issued to residents on the east end of Skalkaho Highway due to the Nature Grove Fire. The warnings were issued in conjunction with USFS Incident Command, Operations as well as the Hamilton Fire Department in coordination with Ravalli County Sherriff’s office. Residents east of the 1800 block (which is around mile marker 9) on both sides of Skalkaho Highway have been issued Evacuation Warnings. Please refer to the Ravalli County Office of Emergency Management at http://ravallicounty.gov and the Bitterroot National Forest page at https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverBitterrootNF/ and website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/bitterroot/alerts for more information.

Current Status:
The Nature Grove Fire grew to 855 acres yesterday and continues burning in steep, dense timber and understory vegetation with uphill runs, group torching and backing. Yesterday’s winds began pushing the fire downslope toward Highway 38 (Skalkaho Road). It is now approximately half a mile from the road and crews are preparing to receive the fire if it reaches the highway. Today, ground resources include heavy equipment, engine teams, hotshots and will continue to focus on protecting structures along Highway 38 (Skalkaho), laying hose line, creating fuels breaks. To the west, crews continue to build and enhance containment features to secure the fire’s western flank. The top priority of all operations is protect values at risk, including private property, structures and livestock.

Weather and Fire Behavior:
Slightly cooler weather is expected Friday with light winds and higher relative humidities. A cold front with potential for thunderstorms and wetting rain is forecasted to move into the area on Saturday. Increased moisture could help moderate fire behavior, but gusty winds and lightning during storms may contribute to additional fire activity.

Closures:
Forest Service Road 75 is closed from Highway 38 to the junction of Forest Service Road 720. FS Roads 720 and 711 remain closed. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in effect over the Nature Grove Fire. Flying any aircraft, including drones (UAS), is prohibited.

Local Type 3 Incident Command Team; Incident Commander: David Tingley
Fire Information Phone: 406-420-3096 Email: [email protected]

Incident Information:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/bitterroot/alerts
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-maps-gallery/mtbrf-nature-grove-fire
https://www.mtfireinfo.org/
https://ravallicounty.gov/595/Phone-apps-and-alerts

Ravalli County Sheriff's Office
Ravalli County Office of Emergency Management
Fire In the Root

📸A community meeting was held last night, Aug. 27, to go over the status and operations of the Nature Grove Fire. Information will continue to be posted and another community meeting may be scheduled as necessary.

08/27/2026

🔥Nature Grove Fire Update Aug. 27, 2026 🔥

Size: 676 acres
Location: Approximately one half mile from Black Bear Campground, south of Highway 38 (Skalkaho highway) 13 miles east of Hamilton MT
Cause: Lightning Start Date: Aug. 23, 2026 Resources: 116 personnel

Key Message:
A Community Meeting will be held today, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m. at the Rocky Mountain Grange #116, at 1436 S 1st Street, Hamilton, MT. This community meeting will be held to discuss Nature Grove Fire operations and Evacuation Warning Notice Information.

Evacuation Warning Notice: As of Aug. 23, 2026, 9:48 p.m. Ravalli County Sheriff said Evacuation Warnings have been issued to residents on the east end of Skalkaho Highway due to the Nature Grove Fire. The warnings were issued in conjunction with USFS Incident Command, Operations as well as the Hamilton Fire Department in coordination with Ravalli County Sherriff’s office. Residents east of the 1800 block (which is around mile marker 9) on both sides of Skalkaho Highway have been issued Evacuation Warnings. Please refer to the Ravalli County Office of Emergency Management at http://ravallicounty.gov and the Bitterroot National Forest page at https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverBitterrootNF/ and website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/bitterroot/alerts for more information.

Current Status:
The Nature Grove Fire grew to 676 acres yesterday and continues burning in a southeasterly direction. For the last several days, air crews and firefighters have been using multiple resources to slow this fire’s spread. Fire is burning in timber, litter and understory with uphill runs, group torching and flanking. Water drops were conducted yesterday and were helpful in slowing the fire’s spread. Today, ground resources including heavy equipment, engine crews, and hotshots will continue to focus on protecting structures along Highway 38 (Skalkaho Hwy), laying hose line, creating fuels breaks. To the west, crews will be working to secure the fire’s western flank and widen Forest Service Road 1370 for access and to aid in suppression efforts. Air resources include four helicopters and a Black Hawk that will be arriving this afternoon.
Additionally, crews were successful at slowing the spread of the Bear Gulch Fire yesterday, securing it with handline and dozer line. Crews will continue to work towards containment of that fire and begin mop-up in the coming days.

Weather and Fire Behavior:
Hot, dry conditions with potential thunderstorms resulting in strong, erratic outflow winds and lightning are expected through Thursday. The chance of wetting rain is low (confined to thunderstorm cores) but gusty outflow winds of 35 to 45 mph could enhance fire behavior in the afternoon/evening. Slightly cooler weather is expected Friday with increasing RH and the potential for wetting rains over the weekend.

Closures:
Forest Service Road 75 is closed from Highway 38 to the junction of Forest Service Road 720. FS Roads 720 and 711 remain closed. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in effect over the Nature Grove Fire. Flying any aircraft, including drones (UAS), is prohibited.

Bitterroot National Forest Local Type 3 Incident Command Team; Incident Commander: David Tingley
Fire Information Phone: 406-420-3096 Email: [email protected]

Incident Information: https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverBitterrootNF https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/bitterroot/alerts https://www.mtfireinfo.org/
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtbrf-nature-grove-fire

Ravalli County Sheriff's Office
Ravalli County Office of Emergency Management

Address

205 Bedford Street, Ste G
Hamilton, MT
59840

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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