Behind the Scenes: Firefighters Race to Protect Homes Near Polaris from the Sand Creek Fire

POLARIS, Mont. — Monday morning, Southwestern Montana News was given a behind-the-scenes look at the extensive efforts underway to protect homes and cabins threatened by the Sand Creek Fire near Polaris.

On Saturday, the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office issued evacuation notices for residents living beyond the Grasshopper Inn toward Elkhorn Hot Springs. Since then, firefighting operations have intensified as crews work to defend structures in the fire's path.

The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway also remains closed after the nearby Bobcat Lakes Fire crossed the roadway in several locations. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish those spot fires before they could spread further.

As we traveled toward Polaris Monday morning, thick smoke blanketed the area, reducing visibility to only a few hundred yards. Emergency vehicles lined the roads, with a strong presence of law enforcement officers and firefighters representing agencies from across the region.

Traveling with the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office, we drove past the Grasshopper Volunteer Fire Department and continued toward Maverick Mountain. Throughout the area, the sound of chainsaws echoed through the forest as crews removed trees and brush surrounding private cabins to create defensible space.

One of the most noticeable sights was the extensive network of white fire hoses stretched throughout the forest. Firefighters have installed sprinkler systems around homes and cabins that can draw water directly from nearby creeks, allowing them to quickly saturate vegetation and structures if fire approaches.

In locations where streams are not easily accessible, large portable water tanks have been strategically positioned to supply pumps and sprinklers. Crews were busy installing additional hoses, checking pumps, fueling equipment, and ensuring backup systems were ready if conditions worsen.

Many homeowners have also taken steps to protect their properties by placing sprinklers on the roofs of their cabins, with several already running as an added layer of defense.

Evidence of Sunday's aerial firefighting efforts could still be seen across the mountainsides. Multiple air tanker drops left trees and hillsides stained pink with fire retardant, and even several Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) vehicles bore traces of the bright-colored retardant after working in the drop zones.

While many people see aircraft flying overhead or smoke rising from the mountains, few witness the tremendous amount of work taking place on the ground. Hundreds of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and support personnel are working around the clock to prepare homes and critical infrastructure should the fire continue to advance.

The Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office is asking the public to stay out of the affected area unless travel is absolutely necessary. Limiting traffic allows residents time to move livestock and belongings while giving firefighters the space they need to safely protect homes and continue battling the fire.

As fire activity continues, structure protection remains one of the highest priorities for crews working to protect homes and businesses in and around Polaris, Montana.