Two Wildfires Grow Near Wise River, Closing Campgrounds on Pioneer Mountains Byway

Overview

• Incident updates published Aug. 4–5 put the Bobcat Lakes Fire at about 1,829 acres and the Sand Creek Fire near 1,000 acres as both burned in rough country south of Wise River and east of Wisdom, Montana.
• Developed and dispersed campgrounds along a section of the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway are closed until further notice and a Temporary Flight Restriction covers both fires to protect air operations.
• Crews are building fuel breaks off Pettengill Road and along Lacy Creek Road, conducting strategic firing operations in Lews Creek drainage, and continuing targeted structure protection in Jerked Prairie.
• Fire personnel on the Bobcat incident rose to about 130 by Aug. 5 but officials said additional crews and resources remain tied up by other regional fires, delaying establishment of a full incident command near Wise River.
• Forecasters expect warmer, drier conditions with gusty west winds this week, so fire managers are urging motorists to slow down or avoid the Byway because heavy smoke and increased fire equipment traffic limit visibility.