Montana Secures Federal Assistance to Help Fight Sand Creek Fire

HELENA, Mont. — Governor Greg Gianforte announced Monday that the State of Montana has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help cover costs associated with fighting the Sand Creek Fire in Beaverhead County.

The Sand Creek Fire, which started August 1, has now burned more than 31,000 acres and was 1% contained as of Monday morning.

“The State of Montana has been in constant contact with the U.S. Forest Service since the Sand Creek Fire first began,” Gianforte said. “We’re asking all Montanans to follow all necessary precautions and take the evacuation warnings and orders from local law enforcement seriously.”

The governor also encouraged residents to stay informed about current wildfire conditions and restrictions as Montana enters the heart of fire season.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), along with Montana Disaster and Emergency Services (MT DES), submitted the request to FEMA for federal firefighting assistance.

Grant Will Cover 75% of Eligible Firefighting Costs

The Fire Management Assistance Grant makes FEMA funding available to cover 75% of the state's eligible firefighting costs associated with the Sand Creek Fire.

Eligible expenses can include firefighting materials and supplies, mobilization and demobilization of resources, equipment use and other qualifying expenses.

Structure Protection Remains a Priority

Firefighters continue to prioritize structure protection as crews battle the Sand Creek Fire.

According to information released by the governor's office, firefighters have prevented widespread structure loss. The only confirmed impacts listed in Monday's announcement were the Maverick Mountain upper lift shack and the Maverick Mountain U.S. Forest Service repeater.

Evacuation Orders Remain in Effect

Emergency evacuation orders remain in place for all communities north of Clark Creek and Shale Creek, including Elkhorn Hot Springs and Maverick Mountain.

Residents in and around the affected areas should continue following instructions from the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office and other emergency officials.

With the fire continuing to burn and thousands of acres already impacted, officials are urging the public to remain cautious, follow fire restrictions and avoid areas where firefighting operations are underway.

Southwestern Montana News will continue following the Sand Creek Fire and provide updates as new information becomes available.