Firing Operations Planned on Sand Creek Fire

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — Firefighters plan to begin strategic firing operations Thursday along the southern side of the Sand Creek Fire.

The operation will burn a large area of unburned fuel between the irregular fire perimeter and established indirect control lines. Officials said the work is intended to secure the fire’s edge and protect private property to the south and west.

The Sand Creek Fire is estimated at 33,812 acres and is 11% contained. The Bobcat Lakes Fire is estimated at 10,371 acres and remains 40% contained.

A total of 636 personnel, 25 engines, 13 crews, four dozers, one masticator and 17 skidgens are assigned to the incidents.

The causes of both fires remain undetermined.

Crews Protect Price Mine, Grasshopper Valley

Firefighters are taking direct suppression action around the Price Mine area on the Sand Creek Fire’s northeastern corner. Crews are working to secure the fire’s edge and protect private property.

Along the southeastern and southern sides, firefighters continue working directly on the perimeter from Dingley Creek west to the Old Tim area.

Crews are holding and improving fireline while extinguishing pockets of heat. The work is intended to protect homes and other threatened locations in the Grasshopper Valley.

Fire managers are evaluating direct and indirect options for connecting control lines between the Old Tim area and Clemow Cow Camp.

Several areas along the western perimeter remain active, with backing fire and isolated tree torching. Firefighters are scouting access points and looking for places where direct or indirect line can be built safely.

Firing Operation Completed Near Jerked Prairie

On the Bobcat Lakes Fire, crews conducted strategic firing operations Wednesday between Lacy Creek Road and the southeastern fire perimeter.

The operation was intended to protect private property at Jerked Prairie and secure another section of the fire’s edge.

Firefighters continue monitoring the northeastern corner above Pettengill Creek, where the fire is backing toward wet areas along the creek.

Crews also patrolled and extinguished hot spots along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway on the fire’s eastern side.

Aircraft remain available for water and retardant drops, reconnaissance missions and firefighter transportation.

Thunderstorms, Gusty Winds Forecast

Thursday is expected to become mostly cloudy during the afternoon, with scattered thunderstorms possible.

South and southwest winds of 6 to 12 mph are forecast, with afternoon gusts reaching 24 mph. Relative humidity is expected to fall to between 22% and 27%.

Cloud cover and higher humidity could moderate overall fire activity, but gusty winds may push the fires through exposed areas.

Dingley Zone Remains Under ‘GO’ Order

The Dingley Zone in the Grasshopper Valley 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 place over the fires. Beaverhead County also remains under Stage 1 fire restrictions.

Fire Information

• Sand Creek Fire: 33,812 acres; 11% contained

• Bobcat Lakes Fire: 10,371 acres; 40% contained

• Total personnel: 636

• Resources: 25 engines, 13 crews, four dozers, one masticator and 17 skidgens

• Evacuation: Dingley Zone remains under “GO” status

• Road closure: Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway