Bobcat Lakes

Crews patrol perimeter and repair lines while scenic byway remains closed

The Bobcat Lakes Fire is burning in heavy timber east of Wisdom in Beaverhead County. Fire activity has remained minimal as crews focus on patrolling the perimeter and conducting suppression repair along contingency lines. The fire poses no threat to nearby communities, though area and road closures remain active.

Evacuations and Closures

• No evacuation orders or warnings are in effect as of September 26, 2026.
• The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway remains closed to public travel for suppression repair and debris clearing as of September 26, 2026.
• Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest area, road, and trail closures remain in effect in the Wisdom and Dillon Ranger Districts as of September 26, 2026.
• The temporary flight restriction over the incident area was lifted on September 25, 2026.

Conditions and Outlook

Gusty westerly winds are forecast to ease over the coming days, accompanied by overcast skies and an increasing chance of wetting rain. Fire behavior is expected to remain minimal as crews continue patrolling unsecured sections of line and repairing bulldozer and hand lines.

Cause and Context

Officials confirmed on September 25, 2026, that the fire was ignited by lightning on July 31.

Official updates current through September 26, 2026.