Red Flag Warning Issued for Sand Creek, Bobcat Lakes Fires

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BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — A Red Flag Warning is in effect Sunday as strong winds, low humidity and dry fuels create extreme fire danger around the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes fires.

The warning is in effect from 1 to 8 p.m. Aug. 23.

The Sand Creek Fire is estimated at 32,306 acres and is 14% contained. The Bobcat Lakes Fire has reached an estimated 10,003 acres and remains 40% contained.

A total of 664 personnel, 34 engines, 11 crews and four dozers are assigned to the incidents under Mike Behrens of Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3.

The causes of both fires remain undetermined.

Hotshot Crews Build Line Above Dingley Creek

Two hotshot crews are making progress on handline above Dingley Creek along the southeastern edge of the Sand Creek Fire.

On the western perimeter, firefighters are holding control line as the fire backs downhill and are providing point protection for threatened properties and other identified values.

Crews are assessing the fire’s movement near Price Creek and Seymour Mountain on the northern side.

Firefighters are also improving line and cooling the fire’s edge in several locations, including near Elkhorn Hot Springs.

Crews continue widening indirect line and using heavy equipment to reduce fuels below the fire’s southwestern corner.

Sawyers are cutting hazardous trees along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. The work is intended to make the road safer for firefighters and the public when officials determine it can reopen.

Equipment Remains at Jerked Prairie

On the Bobcat Lakes Fire, crews are assessing fire spread near Jerked Prairie.

Water-handling equipment will remain in place until officials determine that structures are no longer threatened.

Firefighters will continue patrolling and monitoring the fire’s edge along Pettengill Creek and the Scenic Byway.

An unmanned aircraft system was used Saturday to locate hot spots and map the fire’s edge in remote areas. Aircraft continue supporting crews with water and retardant drops, reconnaissance flights and firefighter transport.

Gusts Could Reach 35 mph

Sunday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 82 degrees.

Light and variable winds will become westerly at 15 to 20 mph, with afternoon gusts as high as 35 mph.

Fire behavior could include backing, flanking, group-tree torching and short uphill runs.

Dingley Zone Remains Under ‘GO’ Order

The Dingley Zone 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.