Crews Complete Direct Fireline on Sand Creek Fire

Aug 21

3 min read

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — Firefighters have completed direct handline along the Sand Creek Fire’s southern perimeter between Maverick Mountain and Old Tim Creek.

The Sand Creek Fire is estimated at 31,757 acres and remains 7% contained. The Bobcat Lakes Fire is estimated at 9,925 acres and is 40% contained.

A total of 766 personnel, 34 engines, 15 crews and eight dozers are assigned to the incidents under Mike Behrens of Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3.

The causes of both fires remain undetermined.

Crews Work Above Dingley Creek

A rappel crew constructed helicopter landing sites and cold-trailed the upper ridge above Dingley Creek. A hotshot crew will build handline uphill to connect with the rappel crew’s work.

Cold trailing involves checking the fire’s edge by hand for heat and extinguishing remaining hot spots.

Firefighters are also cooling heat along the completed direct line between Maverick Mountain and Old Tim Creek. Mop-up will continue near Price Creek along the dozer line.

Crews have begun rehabilitating handline where the fire is contained at Maverick Mountain Ski Area. The work includes placing debris across the trail and installing drainage features on steep sections to reduce erosion.

Sprinkler equipment is being dismantled around homes in the Grasshopper Valley.

Fire Backs Down Western Perimeter

Along the western perimeter, the Sand Creek Fire continues backing downhill.

Firefighters are prepared to widen the indirect control line with burnout operations if needed. Officials said additional fire would be used only where necessary to strengthen the line.

A masticator is reducing roadside vegetation in the Jackson Creek area in case crews need to establish indirect fireline there.

Helicopters dropped water on hot edges southwest of Dingley Lakes. Retardant was also placed around private property near Price Creek, with additional drops planned.

The rappel crew is expected to leave the ridgetop landing site near the end of Friday’s shift. A helitack crew will then be inserted to support aviation operations.

Bobcat Lakes Fire Remains 40% Contained

The southeastern perimeter of the Bobcat Lakes Fire showed moderate activity again Thursday.

Crews remain prepared to reinforce indirect line along Lacy Creek. A small specialized crew is camped at Jerked Prairie and will remain until the threat to the area has passed.

On the northeastern corner, the fire is backing downhill toward containment lines. Firefighters continue monitoring that movement.

Hotter Weather Could Increase Fire Activity

Temperatures are expected to reach approximately 82 degrees Friday, with relative humidity falling into the teens.

Winds are forecast to shift from the west to the east-southeast during the afternoon as thunderstorms develop overnight.

Firefighters expect flanking, group-tree torching and short uphill runs as conditions become warmer and drier.

Dingley Zone Remains Under ‘GO’ Order

The Dingley Zone remains under “GO” evacuation status. Residents should remain outside the evacuation area and monitor the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for updates.

The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway remains closed.

A Forest Service closure 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 effect over the fires, and Beaverhead County remains under Stage 1 fire restrictions.