Crews Make Progress as Sand Creek, Bobcat Lakes Fires Grow

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — The Sand Creek Fire has reached an estimated 31,652 acres and remains 1% contained, according to a Monday update from the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3.

The nearby Bobcat Lakes Fire is estimated at 9,791 acres and is 19% contained.

A total of 774 personnel, 47 engines, nine crews and 13 dozers are assigned to the two fires under Incident Commander Mike Behrens. The causes of both fires remain undetermined.

Crews Begin Building Direct Fireline

Moderating fire behavior is allowing crews to shift from indirect tactics to constructing fireline directly along portions of the fire perimeter when risks to responders can be managed.

On the southern edge of the Sand Creek Fire, several hotshot crews are building direct handline west of Maverick Mountain toward Old Tim Creek.

Because of the remote location, helicopters have delivered supplies by sling load, allowing firefighters to camp closer to the work area.

Along the western side of the fire, crews are preparing for possible firing operations between a dozer line and the fire’s edge. The operation would remove additional fuel and increase the depth of the control line.

If the firing operation occurs, smoke and flames may be visible from Wisdom and Montana Highway 278.

Crews continue mopping up along direct line north of Dingley Creek. Protecting structures and other identified values remains a priority.

Work Continues Along Scenic Byway

On the Bobcat Lakes Fire, firefighters are scouting the northern and southern perimeters for areas where direct fireline or mop-up work can be completed safely.

Crews will continue mopping up along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway to increase containment. Firefighters are also reducing fuels along the byway between the Bobcat Lakes and Sand Creek fires.

Helicopters supported firefighters on the Sand Creek Fire Sunday, including water drops on hot areas near the southeast corner.

Helicopters and an unmanned aircraft system are available Monday as needed and as weather permits.

Warmer, Drier Weather Begins

A warming and drying trend is beginning across the fire area. Monday’s temperature is forecast to reach approximately 75 degrees, with wind gusts as high as 25 mph and a slight chance of afternoon showers.

Fire behavior is expected to consist mainly of creeping and smoldering, with occasional isolated single-tree torching.

‘GO’ Evacuations Remain North of Clark and Shale Creeks

Evacuation orders have been revised, but all communities north of Clark Creek and Shale Creek remain under “GO” status. The evacuation area includes Elkhorn Hot Springs and Maverick Mountain.

Residents under “GO” status should remain outside the evacuation area and follow instructions from law enforcement and fire officials.

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 fire areas.

Beaverhead County is also under Stage 1 fire restrictions.

Fire Information

• Sand Creek Fire: 31,652 acres; 1% contained; 7.5 miles southeast of Wisdom

• Bobcat Lakes Fire: 9,791 acres; 19% contained; 13 miles southwest of Wise River and 12 miles east of Wisdom

• Total personnel: 774

• Resources: 47 engines, nine crews and 13 dozers

• Incident commander: Mike Behrens

• Fire information line: 406-420-1966

• Sand Creek updates: InciWeb

• Bobcat Lakes updates: InciWeb