Containment Increases on Bobcat Lakes, Sand Creek Fires

6 hours ago
3 min read

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — Containment has increased to 40% on the Bobcat Lakes Fire and 7% on the Sand Creek Fire as crews continue suppression and structure-protection work.

The Bobcat Lakes Fire is estimated at 9,892 acres. It is burning approximately 13 miles southwest of Wise River and 12 miles east of Wisdom.

The Sand Creek Fire is estimated at 31,667 acres approximately 7.5 miles southeast of Wisdom.

A total of 843 personnel, 53 engines, 10 crews and 11 dozers are assigned to the two incidents under Incident Commander Mike Behrens of Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3.

The causes of both fires remain undetermined.

Crews Work to Protect Price Creek, Crystal Park

Firefighters are constructing direct handline along the northern area of the Sand Creek Fire near Price Creek. The work is intended to protect Price Creek Campground and nearby private property.

Crews plan to install a hose line and build a minimal amount of handline to prevent the fire from reaching Crystal Park.

Firefighters also plan to construct handline along a steep ridge south of Dingley Creek, using rock formations as natural barriers and anchor points.

A rappel crew will be inserted by helicopter to create landing areas and cold trail the upper reaches toward Dingley Lakes. Cold trailing involves checking the fire’s edge by hand for heat and extinguishing any remaining hot spots.

The work is intended to prevent the fire from spreading south toward Clark Creek and areas beyond it.

Structure-protection equipment is being removed from locations near contained fireline that are no longer threatened. The equipment will be returned to the incident command post and reassigned where it is needed.

Bobcat Lakes Fire Reaches 40% Containment

Crews on the Bobcat Lakes Fire continue mopping up and cold trailing along the northern edge near Pettengill Creek.

Chipping work along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway is complete. The chipper will move into the Lacy Creek area to treat vegetation along roads.

Fire officials said indirect fireline remains the most practical strategy on the inner southeast corner of the fire.

Helicopters supported several missions Tuesday. A short-haul helicopter will be available Wednesday to support the rappel crew and other firefighters. Aviation resources remain available for both fires as conditions permit.

Warmer, Drier Conditions Return

Elevated fire weather conditions are expected Wednesday as temperatures rise, humidity falls and winds increase.

Temperatures are forecast to reach approximately 75 degrees. Fire activity is expected to increase, with backing, flanking and occasional isolated single-tree torching possible.

Officials also expect smoke production to increase.

Dingley Zone Remains Under ‘GO’ Order

The Dingley Zone remains under “GO” evacuation status. People in the affected area should remain evacuated and follow instructions from law enforcement and fire officials.

The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway remains closed.

A Forest Service closure also remains in effect for designated lands, roads and trails in portions of the Wisdom and Dillon ranger districts. Closure Order 01020326-04 and its map are available through the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and InciWeb.

A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in place over the fires.

Beaverhead County remains under Stage 1 fire restrictions.