Evacuation Status Upgraded to "GO" for Elkhorn Hot Springs, Maverick Mountain Area

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — Effective immediately, the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office, in coordination with fire officials and local cooperators, has upgraded the evacuation status from "SET" to "GO" for the following areas:

• Elkhorn Hot Springs

• Maverick Mountain

• All communities south to Shale Creek

• Clark Creek on the north end of Grasshopper Valley

The evacuation order comes as critical fire weather continues to impact both the Bobcat Lakes Fire and the Sand Creek Fire, which are moving in a south and eastern direction.

Firefighters are prioritizing structure protection while additional firefighting resources continue to arrive in the area.

Residents in the affected areas should leave immediately in an orderly manner.

Anyone needing assistance with evacuation or temporary placement is asked to leave a message with Beaverhead County Emergency Services at 406-683-3771.

From Beaverhead County Sherriff Facebook post

Tom Wagenknecht 406-683-3771

Here is the contact for Tom Wagenknecht for the Bobcat and Sand Creek fire in the Polaris Area and the Grasshopper Inn evacuation. If you need to contact him it is important to leave a message. That is the only way Tom will get the message. 

Also, if anyone has animals that need to be evacuated, they can be stored at the Fair Grounds and to get a hold of Jack Bazemore. 

678-446-9936

Southwestern Montana News will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.