Bobcat Lakes Fire Reaches 2,704 Acres; Area Closure in Effect
- 18 hours ago
- 2 min read
WISDOM, Mont. — The Bobcat Lakes Fire has reached 2,704 acres as firefighters work to protect residences and establish fuel breaks near the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway.
An infrared flight mapped the fire’s perimeter at 2,704 acres following active fire behavior Wednesday. A large smoke column and intermittent tree torching were visible from the Scenic Byway.
The fire, which started July 31, is burning approximately 12 miles east of Wisdom and 13 miles southwest of Wise River. Its cause remains undetermined.
A total of 160 personnel are assigned to the incident.
An Unmanned Aircraft System module used drones to provide aerial ignition support in the Lews Creek drainage. The operation was intended to reduce fuels between the wildfire and the Scenic Byway.
Firefighters continued structure protection work northwest of Jerked Prairie.
Crews completed an indirect fuel break along Lacy Creek Road and placed a hose line from the Scenic Byway toward Jerked Prairie.
Additional crews worked on a fuel break extending from Pettengill Creek along the private-property boundary to the south and east. The line is being extended toward the Scenic Byway and the 4th of July Campground.
Firefighters plan to complete fuel-break and structure-protection work around private residences along the Scenic Byway between Lacy Creek and the 4th of July Campground.
Drivers Asked to Avoid Scenic Byway
Multiple hand crews are working along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway.
Fire managers are asking motorists to avoid the area when possible. Those who must travel through the area should slow down and watch for firefighters, heavy equipment and other emergency traffic.
Increasing smoke could reduce visibility along the road.
Red Flag Warning Issued
A Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday.
High pressure is expected to bring a warming and drying trend over the next several days. Fire officials expect very low daytime humidity, poor overnight humidity recovery and temperatures above normal for early August.
Hot temperatures, low humidity and periodically gusty winds could produce elevated to near-critical fire weather conditions Thursday.
Area, Road and Campground Closures
An area closure is in effect for Forest Service lands west of the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway between Pettengill Road and Lacy Creek Road.
The closure includes Forest Service roads, trails, developed campgrounds and dispersed campsites. It also includes a section of the Scenic Byway beginning one mile north of Lacy Creek Road, Forest Service Road 1299, and ending one mile south of Pettengill Road.
Campgrounds within the affected section will remain closed until further notice.
A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in effect over the Bobcat Lakes and Sand Creek fires. Unauthorized aircraft, including recreational drones, must remain outside the restricted airspace.
Bobcat Lakes Fire Information
Size: 2,704 acres
Personnel: 160
Resources: Two Type 2 hand crews, two hotshot crews, four engines, one water tender and one Type 2 dozer
Current work: Fuel-break construction, aerial ignition and structure protection
Weather alert: Red Flag Warning from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday
Public advisory: Avoid the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway or slow down for fire traffic and limited visibility
Closures: Forest Service lands, roads, trails and campgrounds in the designated closure area
Airspace: Temporary Flight Restriction over the Bobcat Lakes and Sand Creek fires