Skull Fire Fully Contained; Bobcat Lakes and Sand Creek Containment Climbs

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — The Skull Fire has reached full containment, while firefighters continue repairing fire lines and removing equipment from the Bobcat Lakes and Sand Creek fires, according to the latest incident update.

The Bobcat Lakes Fire is 91% contained at 10,896 acres. The Sand Creek Fire is 83% contained at 35,520 acres.

The 68-acre Skull Fire, located eight miles southeast of Wisdom and one mile east of Odell Lake, is now 100% contained. Officials said this will be the final update for that incident.

A total of 105 personnel remain assigned to the Bobcat Lakes and Sand Creek fires under Incident Commander Paul Diaz and trainee Rusty Butler.

Equipment removal and repair continue

Aircraft helped crews remove hoses and other equipment from the Sand Creek Fire on Thursday. Excavators will continue repairing dozer lines, while graders and chippers work along Steel Fox Road and other areas on the fire’s western edge.

At the Bobcat Lakes Fire, crews are making progress on suppression repair and removing woody debris along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. Firefighters continue patrolling and monitoring unsecured portions of the fire line.

Additional work to repair handlines and dozer lines is planned through the weekend.

Aircraft remain available for water and retardant drops, reconnaissance flights and personnel transportation.

The Bobcat Lakes Fire began July 31 and is located approximately 13 miles southwest of Wise River. The Sand Creek Fire began Aug. 1 and is located about 7.5 miles southeast of Wisdom.

Scenic Byway remains closed

The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway remains closed. Visitors should consult the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest website for details about remaining closures affecting National Forest System lands, roads and trails.

Information about Bureau of Land Management closures is available through the Western Montana District Office.

The temporary flight restriction over the incident area has been lifted.

Sunny, warm and dry conditions are expected, with highs in the lower to mid-70s. Winds are forecast to increase in the evening, with precipitation possible.