Fourteen smokejumpers parachuted into a fast-growing wildfire near Wisdom on Friday as extreme heat and red flag conditions pushed fire danger across much of Montana. The Bobcat Lakes Fire, located 12 miles east of Wisdom, had burned approximately 224 acres as of Saturday morning.
Active Fire Behavior in Dense Timber
The blaze is burning through heavy dead fuels and thick timber, with the most aggressive fire behavior reported on the north and northeast flanks. Crews on the ground have been joined by aircraft and fire engines, with additional firefighters expected to arrive through the coming days.
Authorities have closed the Pettengill Creek and Lacey Creek trails to the public for safety. A large smoke column is expected to be visible from surrounding communities throughout the day Saturday.
Other Fires Active Across the Region
Two other fires are drawing attention in southwestern Montana. The Edward Creek Fire, burning roughly 14 miles southeast of Anaconda and 6 miles south of Fairmont Hot Springs, remains small at about one acre. Firefighters have cut containment line around approximately 75 percent of its perimeter, and a helicopter has been dropping water on remaining hot spots.
The Big Gulch Fire northeast of Butte has been fully contained, offering some relief amid a weekend of elevated conditions statewide.
Dangerous Heat Compounding Fire Risk
A red flag warning remains in effect across most of Montana through 9 p.m. Sunday, as high temperatures and low relative humidity create dangerous ignition and spread conditions. Saturday’s highs are forecast to range from the upper 90s to near 110 degrees in some areas, with much of the state also under Extreme Heat Warnings or Heat Advisories.
A rapid weather change is expected early next week, with temperatures dropping to below-average levels by Monday — potentially easing pressure on firefighting crews and resources statewide.
The Bobcat Lakes Fire is one of several early-season blazes testing fire response capacity in Montana. Earlier this week, the Elder 1 Wildfire near Frenchtown was brought under containment as dangerous wind conditions moved through western Montana. Fire managers have warned that conditions remain volatile and that additional ignitions are likely before the forecasted cool-down arrives.
