Rain Slows Bobcat Lakes, Sand Creek and Skull Fires

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — Recent rainfall and higher humidity have reduced activity on three wildfires burning in Beaverhead County, but firefighters continue working to secure control lines and protect nearby properties.

The Bobcat Lakes Fire is estimated at 10,784 acres and remains 40% contained. The Sand Creek Fire is estimated at 34,083 acres and is 13% contained. The Skull Fire remains at approximately 51 acres and is 0% contained.

A total of 628 personnel are assigned to the incidents. Resources include 21 engines, 13 crews, three dozers, five masticators and 15 skidgens.

Bobcat Lakes Fire

The Bobcat Lakes Fire is burning approximately 13 miles southwest of Wise River and 12 miles east of Wisdom.

Firefighters continue patrolling the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway and holding established control lines. Pockets of heat were observed smoldering along the northern side of the fire.

Following recently completed firing operations, crews are securing the southern control line along Lacy Creek and east of Jerked Prairie. The work is intended to prevent the fire from spreading toward private property.

A heavy-equipment task force will begin thinning vegetation and reducing fuels along both sides of the Scenic Byway between the Bobcat Lakes and Sand Creek fires. Officials said the work will strengthen the road’s ability to serve as a control line and holding feature.

Sand Creek Fire

The Sand Creek Fire is burning approximately 7.5 miles southeast of Wisdom.

Crews are preparing Steel-Fox Road as a control line along the fire’s western side while looking for opportunities to work directly along the fire’s edge where conditions allow.

Pockets of heat, concentrations of dead and downed timber and limited access will require firefighters to use hand-firing operations in some areas. Crews are also evaluating additional control-line options on the southwestern corner to help protect private property outside the fire area.

Along the southern side, firefighters continue hand-firing operations north of the control line from Cow Camp east toward Old Tim Creek when weather conditions permit. Patrol and mop-up operations continue between Old Tim Creek and Dingley Creek to protect private property in the Grasshopper Valley.

Crews and equipment are also working in the Price Creek area on the southeastern corner of the fire. Their objective is to secure the fire’s edge and connect control lines with the ridge north of Comet Mountain. Officials said significant heat remains in the area, but crews are making progress.

Skull Fire

The Skull Fire is burning approximately eight miles southeast of Wisdom and one mile east of Odell Lake.

Minimal activity was observed Saturday, and the fire remains estimated at 51 acres. Aircraft are available to support firefighters with water or retardant drops, reconnaissance flights and personnel transportation as needed.

Weather and fire behavior

Clouds and showers were expected to end by midmorning Sunday, followed by cooler and drier conditions.

High temperatures were forecast between 60 and 65 degrees, with minimum relative humidity between 20% and 25%. Fire activity across the incidents was expected to remain minimal.

Evacuations, closures and restrictions

The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway remains closed. The Dingley Zone in the Grasshopper Valley remains under a GO evacuation order.

Closures are also in effect for National Forest System lands, roads and trails in portions of the Wisdom and Dillon ranger districts. Closure information is available through the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.

Beaverhead County remains under Stage 1 fire restrictions. Evacuation updates are available from the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office.