Sand Creek

Level 3 evacuations continue in Grasshopper Valley as crews secure perimeters

Burning southeast of Wisdom in the rugged terrain of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, the Sand Creek Fire is displaying moderate to minimal activity characterized by creeping, backing, and smoldering. Over the last 72 hours, cooler temperatures and overnight humidity recovery have helped firefighters strengthen containment lines along the southern and northeastern perimeters. Evacuation orders remain active for residents in Grasshopper Valley while crews maintain structure protection across the area.

Evacuations and Closures

• Level 3 GO evacuation order: In effect for the Dingley Zone in Grasshopper Valley and areas north of Clark Creek and Shale Creek (August 31).
• Level 2 SET evacuation warning: In effect for Jerked Prairie (August 30).
• Road closure: Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway remains closed to through traffic as crews utilize the corridor for containment lines and fuel breaks (August 31).
• Forest closure: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest emergency area closure remains active across the Wisdom and Dillon Ranger Districts, closing designated roads, trails, and campgrounds (August 29).
• Fire restrictions: Beaverhead County remains under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions (August 31).

Impact

Earlier fire activity damaged infrastructure at the Maverick Mountain Ski Area, including the summit ski patrol building, communications equipment, and the main lift haul rope (reported August 28). Firefighters continue monitoring and defending private structures around Elkhorn Hot Springs and Wellman Creek.

Conditions and Outlook

Southerly winds will gradually strengthen and turn gusty by midweek, accompanied by increasing chances of light rain showers and continued overnight humidity recovery. Fire behavior is expected to remain largely creeping and smoldering, though isolated torching remains possible in dense dead and downed timber. Crews plan to construct direct and indirect lines along Old Tim Creek, masticate along Forest Road 2406, and scout control opportunities on the western flank.

Cause and Context

The cause of the fire remains undetermined and under investigation as of August 31. Incident managers are coordinating operations jointly with the nearby Bobcat Lakes Fire.

Resources

• Sand Creek Fire InciWeb Incident Page
• Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Alerts & Closures
• Beaverhead County Disaster & Emergency Services
• Montana Road Conditions (MDT 511)

Official updates current through August 31, 2026.