Sand Creek Fire Grows Past 11,600 Acres In Western Pioneers

More "fire weather" over the weekend led to some new fire starts across Montana. But the biggest impact was the growth that the high winds, low humidity, and hot temperatures had on the major fires, especially in Western Montana.

The Sand Creek Fire, burning in the Western Pioneers east of the Big Hole, exploded to more than 15,700 acres. And the adjacent Bobcat Lake Fire to the north grew past 7,000 acres.

The Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office expanded evacuation orders to GO status for Elkhorn Hot Springs and Maverick Mountain, including all communities extending south to Shale Creek and Clark Creek on the north end of Grasshopper Valley.

Firefighters have been using the Pioneer Scenic Byway as a firebreak, and had to stop 15-spot fires as the fires continue to try and spread to the south and east. Critical fire weather continued through yesterday, and the forest is much the same today and tomorrow.

This fire is growing in the Bitterroot Valley too

Fire crews in the Bitterroot National Forest are working around the clock as the Black Bear Fire has reached nearly 1,800 acres, 10 miles southeast of Hamilton.

With steep terrain and heavy dead timber creating extreme conditions, firefighters are using strategic burning operations to guide the flames toward older burn scars. Officials say those previous fire footprints are helping slow the blaze due to a lack of available fuel.

Closures remain active on Skalkaho-Rye Forest Road 75 and Road 711.

With Stage 2 fire restrictions in place across Ravalli County, officials urge residents to stay out of active fire areas.

Fire danger now "extreme"

Continued hot weather and record-dry fuels have forced officials to raise the fire danger level in the Bitterroot National Forest to "Extreme", the highest possible rating.

It’s the first time since July 2021 the forest has reached extreme levels, meaning fires can start easily and spread rapidly. Fire Staff Officer Matt Young notes that most fires this season have been human-caused, leaving crews stretched thin.

Stage 2 fire restrictions are currently in effect across Ravalli and Missoula counties, prohibiting campfires, smoking outdoors, and off-road motorized travel.

Other Montana fires

Firefighters have been making headway on the Skillet Fire in the Flathead. While there was some growth, the fire is now over 3200 acres, some of which is from burnout operations; the blaze is now 26% contained.

Crews are now reporting 27% containment on the 400-acre Ant Park Fire in Meagher County. The Harris Fire in Rosebud County is now 10% contained, after burning close to 1000 acres.

DNRC reports there were 5 new fire starts Sunday across the state, with 79 fire starts over the past week.

Governor sends fire help to Spokane

Governor Greg Gianforte has authorized the Montana National Guard to deploy a heavy-lift Chinook helicopter and crew to aid wildfire suppression efforts in eastern Washington.

Addressing potential local concerns, Governor Gianforte emphasized that sending resources westward will not compromise Montana's fire readiness. He assured residents that state crews retain adequate capacity and remain prepared to respond aggressively to any new fire starts here at home.

Smoke will persist

The massive fires west of us continue to pump smoke into the state, especially in the Western Montana valleys, where air quality alerts remain in effect.

Conditions were variable over the weekend, ranging from "unhealthy for sensitive groups" to "moderate" to "unhealthy" for everyone at various times. The explosive fires, especially in the interior of British Columbia where a fire in the Okanogan grew from half a kilometer to over 50 kilometers in less than 3 hours, will continue to produce heavy smoke.

The forecast suggests a breakdown in the high-pressure ridge could ease some of that smoke later this week, although it might generate winds, increasing fire activity, and also the risk of fire here in the Treasure State.