Sand Creek Fire Reaches 31,652 Acres; Containment Increases on Both Southwestern Montana Fires

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — Updated infrared mapping shows the Sand Creek Fire has grown to 31,652 acres as firefighters continue building containment lines and protecting communities in southwestern Montana.

The Sand Creek Fire is now 1% contained. The nearby Bobcat Lakes Fire remains at 9,768 acres and has reached 10% containment.

A total of 655 personnel are assigned to the two fires, with 37 engines, nine crews and seven bulldozers supporting suppression efforts.

An infrared flight conducted Friday evening provided updated acreage information for both incidents.

Sand Creek Fire crews improve containment lines

The Sand Creek Fire started Aug. 1 about 7.5 miles southeast of Wisdom.

On the fire’s northwestern flank, crews are connecting bulldozer line with handline to complete an indirect containment line near Steel Creek. Firefighters are also working with a masticator to widen the indirect line along the southern side of the fire.

A hotshot crew is scouting an area west of Maverick Mountain to determine whether constructing a direct handline would be safe and practical.

In upper Grasshopper Valley and Price Creek, crews have begun mopping up hot spots and improving existing lines. Another hotshot crew is scouting Clark Creek for possible indirect fireline placement.

On Saturday, firefighters plan to keep the fire west of the Scenic Byway between Price Creek and Mono Creek. Crews will also assess structures in the southern half of Grasshopper Valley to determine whether additional protection measures may be needed.

Bobcat Lakes Fire reaches 10% containment

The Bobcat Lakes Fire started July 31 and is burning approximately 13 miles southwest of Wise River and 12 miles east of Wisdom.

Crews installed a hose line and began mopping up the northeastern corner of the fire along Pettingill Creek. Mop-up operations are also underway along the Scenic Byway.

Cooler weather has allowed firefighters to scout the fire’s northern edge for possible direct fireline construction.

A drone was used Friday to help firefighters locate hot spots near containment lines. The drone and all helicopters assigned to the incident will be available Saturday as needed and as weather conditions allow.

Moose Creek and Sugarloaf Hill residents allowed temporary access Sunday

Residents evacuated from the Moose Creek and Sugarloaf Hill areas may temporarily return to their properties from 9:30 a.m. until noon Sunday, Aug. 16, according to the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office.

Residents may use the access period to retrieve essential belongings and check their property. Everyone entering the area must check in with law enforcement at the roadblock, present identification, provide the address they are visiting and record their entry and departure times.

Officials warned residents not to turn on propane tanks.

Everyone must leave the area by noon. Access will be evaluated daily and could be restricted if fire conditions change.

Residents should remain alert, follow instructions from emergency personnel and be prepared to leave immediately.

Cooler, wetter weather moderates fire activity

The fires received moderate precipitation Friday. Saturday’s high temperatures are expected to remain near 65 degrees, with west-southwest winds gusting up to 15 mph and a chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Fire activity has moderated significantly. Officials expect fire behavior to be limited mainly to creeping and smoldering.

Forest closures and flight restrictions remain in effect

A temporary flight restriction remains in effect over the fire areas. Flying private aircraft or drones near the incidents can interfere with firefighting operations.

A closure also remains in effect for designated National Forest System lands, roads and trails in portions of the Wisdom and Dillon ranger districts of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.

Closure maps and details for Order No. 01020326-04 are available from the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and InciWeb.

Residents should monitor official emergency notifications and follow directions from law enforcement and fire personnel. Wildfire conditions can change rapidly.