Bobcat Lakes Fire Grows to 1,829 Acres; Campgrounds Closed

WISDOM, Mont. — The Bobcat Lakes Fire has grown to 1,829 acres as firefighters construct fuel breaks and protect structures in the Jerked Prairie area.

The fire is burning approximately 13 miles southwest of Wise River and 12 miles east of Wisdom. It started July 31, and its cause remains undetermined.

Ian Quist is serving as incident commander, with Brian Gorwitz as a trainee.

Fire managers are asking motorists to slow down along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway because of increased traffic from firefighting vehicles and heavy equipment.

The fire exhibited moderate behavior Monday north and east of Jerked Prairie.

Hand crews are constructing a fuel break from Pettengill Road toward the south and southeast in the direction of Willow Campground.

Crews also plan to begin building a fuel break east along Lacy Creek Road. That break will connect with the Pettengill Road fuel break to create a holding feature designed to help limit the fire’s spread.

Firefighters continue structure protection work at Jerked Prairie.

Fire managers and agency officials are discussing whether additional area, road or trail closures are necessary. Officials said protecting the public, firefighters, lives and property remains the top priority.

A warming trend is expected Tuesday into Wednesday, with temperatures reaching the upper 60s Tuesday.

Light winds from the northeast could shift to the northwest Tuesday afternoon and evening as high pressure builds over the area.

Lower humidity and westerly winds of 15 to 20 mph are forecast Wednesday. Warmer temperatures, lower humidity and stronger winds could affect fire behavior and firefighting operations.

Campgrounds Closed Near Scenic Byway

Developed and dispersed campgrounds on Forest Service lands are closed along a section of the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway.

The closure extends from one mile north of Lacy Creek Road, Forest Service Road 1299, to one mile south of Pettengill Road.

All developed and dispersed campgrounds within that section will remain closed until further notice.

Bobcat Lakes Fire Information

• Size: 1,829 acres

• Location: 13 miles southwest of Wise River and 12 miles east of Wisdom

• Start date: July 31, 2026

• Cause: Undetermined

• Incident commander: Ian Quist

• Incident commander trainee: Brian Gorwitz

• Personnel: 77

• Resources: Two Type 2 hand crews, one hotshot crew, one engine and one water tender

• Current work: Fuel-break construction and structure protection

• Public advisory: Slow down for increased fire traffic on the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway

• Closure: Developed and dispersed campgrounds between one mile north of Lacy Creek Road and one mile south of Pettengill Road