Two Large Wildfires Burn Tens of Thousands of Acres Near Wisdom, Montana

Overview

• As of Aug. 15 the Sand Creek Fire has expanded to about 31,652 acres with roughly 1% containment and the Bobcat Lakes Fire to about 9,791 acres with roughly 10% containment; both fires started July 31–Aug. 1.
• Incident command says roughly 749 personnel are assigned along with engines, 13 crews, 12 dozers and multiple helicopters and airtankers conducting retardant and water drops to build handlines and dozer lines.
• Beaverhead County has issued GO evacuations and a Forest Service closure for areas including Maverick Mountain and Elkhorn Hot Springs and a temporary flight restriction remains in place.
• Local reporting and incident updates say the fires destroyed a ski shack and chairlift at Maverick Mountain, threatened homes, cabins and livestock, and prompted timed, supervised returns so residents can retrieve essentials.
• Rain and higher humidity have moderated fire behavior and allowed more aviation support, but fuels remain very dry, causes are undetermined and crews continue line improvement and monitoring for renewed extreme runs or flash flooding.