Sand Creek

Local command takes over as fire activity moderates and closures remain

The Sand Creek Fire is burning in rugged terrain southeast of Wisdom within the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Over the last 72 hours, fire activity remained minimal with creeping and smoldering as crews patrolled containment lines from Price Creek toward Grasshopper Ridge and conducted mop-up along Steel-Fox Road. While local structures and communication infrastructure continue to face potential threat, crews are maintaining point protection.

Evacuations and Closures

• The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway remains closed to public travel as of September 9.
• Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest area, road, and trail closures around the fire perimeter remain in effect as of September 9.
• No evacuation orders or warnings are in effect as of September 9.

Impact

The fire damaged chairlift infrastructure, a ski patrol hut, and a midway shack at the Maverick Mountain Ski Area, while crews successfully protected the main lodge and homes in Grasshopper Valley.

Conditions and Outlook

Gusty westerly winds and lower humidity will develop before shifting cooler and calmer toward the weekend with rising humidity and increasing chances of rain. Fire behavior is expected to remain minimal as fuels inside the burned perimeter consume. Firefighters are working to secure control lines near the Clenmow Cow Camp area and using unmanned aircraft to detect hot spots in steep, hazardous terrain.

Cause and Context

Fire investigators confirmed on September 7 that the fire was ignited by lightning. Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1 transferred command of the fire on September 7 to a local organization on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest's Wisdom Ranger District.

Official updates current through September 9, 2026.