New Team Takes Command of Bobcat Lakes, Sand Creek Fires

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — Brent Olson’s Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 1 assumed command Tuesday of the Bobcat Lakes, Sand Creek and Moose Creek fires.

The Sand Creek Fire is estimated at 33,088 acres and remains 14% contained. The Bobcat Lakes Fire is estimated at 10,030 acres and remains 40% contained.

A total of 577 personnel, 29 engines, 13 crews, three dozers, one masticator and 13 skidgens are assigned to the incidents.

The causes of the fires remain undetermined.

Smoke Plumes May Be Visible Near Seymour Mountain

Flanking and torching remain active along the western perimeter of the Sand Creek Fire because of dry fuels.

Fire officials said smoke columns could become visible as unburned pockets of vegetation ignite around Seymour Mountain.

The fire was also active in Jackson Creek, where crews remain prepared to hold indirect fireline along the southwestern corner.

Firefighters continue constructing and improving line above Dingley Creek. The work is intended to keep the fire from moving south toward private property and other locations in the Grasshopper Valley.

Crews are also reinforcing control lines along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway north of the fire. Those lines could be used if fire activity increases toward the north and east.

Firing Operation Possible Near Jerked Prairie

On the Bobcat Lakes Fire, crews will prepare an unburned area between the fire perimeter and Jerked Prairie for possible firing operations.

If used, the operation would remove fuels between the wildfire and private property to help prevent additional spread.

Firefighters continue cooling the fire’s edge and patrolling its northern, eastern and southern perimeters. Crews are also reinforcing fireline and looking for additional containment opportunities along the Scenic Byway.

Aircraft remain available to assist with water and retardant drops, reconnaissance flights and firefighter transportation.

Dry Thunderstorms Possible

Higher overnight humidity brought some moisture to the fire area. An isolated light drizzle fell Tuesday morning, but no measurable precipitation was recorded.

Dry thunderstorms are possible throughout the day. Storms could produce sudden, short-duration outflow winds that affect fire behavior and firefighting operations.

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 effect over the fires. Beaverhead County also remains under Stage 1 fire restrictions.

Fire Information

• Sand Creek Fire: 33,088 acres; 14% contained

• Bobcat Lakes Fire: 10,030 acres; 40% contained

• Total personnel: 577

• Resources: 29 engines, 13 crews, three dozers, one masticator and 13 skidgens

• Incident commander: Brent Olson

• Evacuation: Dingley Zone remains under “GO” status

• Road closure: Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway