Bigfork, MT – A shelter-in-place order is in effect Saturday afternoon in parts of Flathead County after an explosive device was reported near a key roadway intersection in the Bigfork area.
According to Flathead County officials, the alert was issued around 2:26 p.m. MDT on Saturday, April 18, 2026, for the area surrounding Highway 209 and Ferndale Drive. The emergency notification was relayed through the National Weather Service in Missoula as part of an Emergency Alert System activation.
Authorities are urging all residents in the immediate area to remain indoors and take precautions. Officials say people should stay away from windows and doors and avoid approaching the scene under any circumstances.
Law enforcement agencies are actively responding and investigating the report. Specific details about the nature of the explosive device or any potential suspects have not yet been released.
The affected area includes neighborhoods near Bigfork in Flathead County, located northeast of Kalispell in northwestern Montana. Residents may notice increased emergency presence as authorities work to secure the scene.
Officials emphasized that this is an active situation and warned the public not to interfere with emergency operations. Additional updates are expected as more information becomes available.
