Sand Creek
Updated
Environment
Right Now
| TODAY | SEP 12 | SEP 13 | SEP 14 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weather | | | | |
| Area Fire Potential | TODAY Low SEP 12 Low SEP 13 Lowest SEP 14 Low | |||
| Area Fuels | Timber (Litter and Understory) | |||
Response
LEAD AGENCY
Forest ServiceRESPONSE LEVEL
Type 3Details
Inciweb Media
Recent media provided by InciWeb of Montana fire activity.
Sand Creek Fire Report — September 9, 2026
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.