More than 600 firefighters and support personnel are battling a pair of large wildfires burning across Beaverhead County in southwest Montana, with both blazes spreading tens of thousands of acres through remote terrain near the communities of Wisdom and Wise River.
Two Active Fires, Limited Containment
The larger of the two, the Sand Creek Fire, has burned more than 34,000 acres and stands at just 13 percent containment. It is located roughly seven miles southeast of Wisdom. The Bobcat Lakes Fire, burning between Wise River and Wisdom, has consumed more than 10,000 acres and is 40 percent contained. The cause of both fires has not been determined.
Together, the two fires have scorched more than 44,000 acres in Beaverhead County. Separately, the Boot Fire is being managed by Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, and the Skull and Skull Two fires are also under active management in the area.
Evacuations and Road Closures
The Dingley Zone in Grasshopper Valley has been placed under a Go evacuation order. The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway is closed to traffic, and additional road and trail closures are in effect across the Wisdom and Dillon Ranger Districts. Beaverhead County is operating under Stage 1 fire restrictions.
Crews are actively working to protect private property near both fire perimeters, putting out hot spots and reinforcing fire lines. Aircraft are supporting ground operations with water and fire retardant drops.
Weather and Tactical Plans
Forecasters are calling for a high around 70 degrees with scattered showers. Increased cloud cover and humidity are expected to ease fire activity somewhat, though gusty winds remain a concern on exposed slopes and ridgelines.
If conditions allow, crews are planning aerial and hand ignitions to burn off available fuels ahead of the fire fronts. Heavy equipment will be moving along the scenic byway over the coming days, and managers are planning to thin vegetation to reinforce the roadway as a control line.
Beaverhead County’s fire situation is part of a broader wildfire challenge across western Montana this season. A fire near Hamilton in Ravalli County has also grown to 900 acres and is threatening the Skalkaho Highway corridor, reflecting active fire conditions across much of the region.
Residents near the affected areas should monitor local emergency management channels for updates on evacuation orders and road closures, as conditions can change rapidly with shifting winds.
