Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway Reopens as Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes Fires Near Full Containment

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — The Pioneer Mountains National Scenic Byway has reopened to the public after being closed for weeks due to the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes fires.

Beaverhead County lifted the closure on the Pioneer Mountains National Scenic Byway (FSR #73), restoring public access to the popular route through the Pioneer Mountains.

Effective at 6 a.m. Tuesday, September 29, the U.S. Forest Service also rescinded its area closure associated with the fires. The Bureau of Land Management has also lifted its related area closure.

The reopening comes as firefighters continue making significant progress on both fires.

The Bobcat Lakes Fire is now estimated at 10,896 acres and 91% contained, while the Sand Creek Fire is estimated at 35,520 acres and 83% contained.

Only 64 personnel remain assigned to the fires. Both were caused by lightning and began July 31 and August 1.

Steel-Fox Road Remains Closed

While the Scenic Byway and other fire-related area closures have been lifted, Steel-Fox Road (FSR #2420) remains closed to the public.

Firefighters and heavy equipment continue working in the area, making the road unsafe for public access.

On the Sand Creek Fire, crews are finishing chipping and groundwork along Steel-Fox Road and in the Steel Creek area in preparation for road grading.

Excavators continue repairing indirect dozer lines within the burned area, while heavy equipment operators and graders work to restore damaged roads. Personnel are also removing hazard trees and clearing debris.

On the Bobcat Lakes Fire, crews continue patrolling and monitoring the perimeter while rehabilitating fire control lines.

Visitors Warned of Hazards in Burned Areas

Although the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway has reopened, officials are warning visitors that numerous hazards remain throughout the burned areas.

Those traveling through the fire area should watch for unstable dead trees, falling logs, loose rocks and hidden burned-out stump holes.

Ash and fallen needles can also make roads slippery.

Burned areas can be particularly susceptible to flash flooding and debris flows, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.

Smoke May Still Be Visible

Partly sunny skies and warmer temperatures in the 50s and 60s are expected over the next several days. Northwest winds of 5 to 8 mph are forecast, with gusts reaching approximately 20 mph.

The warmer weather could result in visible smoke from inside the existing fire lines. Fire officials say smoke from within the burned areas is expected and does not need to be reported.

All area closures associated with the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes fires have now been lifted except for Steel-Fox Road (FSR #2420).

Current National Forest road, trail and area information is available through the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.