Bobcat Lakes Fire Grows to 755 Acres East of Wisdom
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
WISDOM, Mont. — The Bobcat Lakes Fire grew to an estimated 755 acres Saturday as crews responded to active fire behavior approximately 12 miles east of Wisdom.
The fire started July 31, and its cause remains undetermined. Rohrbach is serving as incident commander.
Officials said no infrared mapping flight was available Saturday evening, making the current acreage an estimate.
The fire is burning through heavy dead and downed fuels in continuous stands of lodgepole pine and subalpine fir. The steep, timbered terrain presents additional challenges for firefighters.
Fire behavior has remained active along the north and northeast sides of the fire, with crowning, group tree torching, short runs and short-range spotting reported. Firefighters worked late into the evening to contain a spot fire.
Crews Prepare to Protect Jerked Prairie
Fire managers have installed sprinklers and hose lines at Jerked Prairie while developing plans to protect structures in the area. Firefighters and equipment are staged there as officials prepare a broader suppression strategy.
Resources assigned to the fire include 24 smokejumpers, two Type 6 engines and one hand crew. Additional resources will arrive as they become available.
On the eastern side of the Bobcat Lakes Fire, managers are scouting for containment opportunities and potential holding features that could connect with firelines constructed during the 2024 Grouse Fire.
Steep slopes, extensive dead and downed timber, and limited escape routes have led fire managers to use an indirect confinement strategy. Under this approach, crews work from safer locations away from the active fire edge and use existing barriers or prepared firelines to limit its spread.
Sand Creek Fire Remains at 450 Acres
The nearby Sand Creek Fire remains estimated at 450 acres. Fire personnel are scouting for containment opportunities along its northern and southern edges.
Fire managers are also using an indirect confinement strategy on the Sand Creek Fire because of hazardous terrain, heavy fuels and limited escape routes.
Public Asked to Avoid Trails
Heavy fire traffic, large equipment and cattle should be expected along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway.
Fire managers continue to urge the public to stay out of the Pettengill Creek and Lacey Creek trail areas for safety. Agency officials are discussing possible area, road and trail closures.
A Red Flag Warning remains in effect through Aug. 2. The warning indicates weather conditions could rapidly increase the potential for wildfires to ignite and spread.
Officials said protecting the public, firefighters, lives and property remains the top priority.
Bobcat Lakes Fire Information
Location: Approximately 12 miles east of Wisdom
Start date: July 31, 2026
Estimated size: 755 acres
Cause: Undetermined
Incident commander: Rohrbach
Resources: 24 smokejumpers, two Type 6 engines and one hand crew
Strategy: Indirect confinement
Safety advisory: Avoid the Pettengill Creek and Lacey Creek trails
Nearby incident: Sand Creek Fire, estimated at 450 acres
