Sand Creek Fire Burns 31,652 Acres in Beaverhead County; Evacuation Orders Remain as FEMA Grant Authorized

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY — As of Tuesday morning, August 18, 2026, Montana continues to battle multiple significant wildfires, with the Sand Creek Fire remaining the state's largest and most closely watched incident.

The Sand Creek Fire, which started on August 1, 2026, approximately 7.5 miles southeast of Wisdom in Beaverhead County, has burned 31,652 acres with just 1% containment. Cooler temperatures and recent precipitation slowed fire activity over the weekend, allowing some residents previously under "GO" (mandatory) evacuation orders to return to their properties. However, evacuation orders remain in place for areas including Maverick Mountain, Elkhorn Hot Springs, and communities extending south to Shale Creek and Clark Creek on the north end of Grasshopper Valley.

The fire burned through portions of the Maverick Mountain Ski Area, causing extensive damage to the vintage double chairlift, which is expected to be inoperable for the coming ski season. Structure protection efforts successfully saved the main lodge and nearby Elkhorn Hot Springs facilities. No homes were reported destroyed.

On August 17, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help cover eligible state firefighting costs. At the time of the request, the fire threatened more than 170 homes and critical infrastructure.

The nearby Bobcat Lakes Fire, also in Beaverhead County, stands at approximately 9,791 acres with 19% containment.

Elsewhere, the Moose Fire near Philipsburg has grown to about 5,892 acres with 0% containment since starting July 26. The Black Bear Fire, 15 miles east of Hamilton, is at roughly 2,145 acres and 20% containment. A new evacuation warning was issued Monday evening, August 17, for some Madison County residents southwest of Ennis after a fresh start. The small Cinderella Fire near Alberton, ignited by lightning on August 16, remains minor.

Stage 2 fire restrictions continue in several western Montana counties and national forests due to very high fire danger. Officials urge residents to stay prepared, monitor official channels such as InciWeb, county sheriff pages, and MTFireInfo.org, and follow all closures and travel advisories. Fire activity can escalate quickly with warming and drying conditions expected later in the week.