The Sand Creek Fire has reached Maverick Mountain Ski Area in southwestern Montana, with the large wildfire now burning down the mountain and threatening nearby structures including Elkhorn Hot Springs.
The wildfire began on August 1st approximately 7.5 miles southeast of Wisdom, Montana. According to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, the Sand Creek Fire had grown to 19,683 acres and remained at zero percent containment as of August 11th.
Fire Reaches Maverick Mountain
The southeast corner of the Sand Creek Fire has reached Maverick Mountain as firefighters work to protect structures in the path of the advancing wildfire. Structure protection between Elkhorn Hot Springs and Maverick Mountain was a primary focus for crews before the fire reached the mountain. Smokejumpers constructed handline to connect with the Sand Creek Trail, while firefighters installed pump and sprinkler systems around structures.
Firefighters are continuing point protection around critical values at risk. Fire managers are also scouting for opportunities to establish indirect fire lines on the southern side of the fire. Firing operations could be used to reduce available fuels between those lines and the active fire if conditions allow.
Maverick Mountain Ski Area Suffers Major Damage
Some reports indicate that the Sand Creek Fire reached the top of Maverick Mountain overnight before burning down the mountain. According to Montana Hot Springs, approximately two thirds of the mountain had burned and the ski lift had been lost. The lodge was still standing at the time of the organization’s post.
Maverick Mountain is home to Maverick Mountain Ski Area, a small ski area in the mountains southwest of Butte and near the community of Wisdom. The reported loss of the ski lift marks a significant impact for the local ski area. Montana Hot Springs also reported that the fire had moved dangerously close to Elkhorn Hot Springs and surrounding cabins.
Firefighters Focus on Protecting Structures
Firefighters are expected to continue structure protection around Elkhorn Hot Springs and other critical areas while fire managers search for opportunities to slow the fire’s advance. The Sand Creek Fire remains an active and largely uncontained wildfire. Conditions on the ground can change rapidly as crews work to protect structures and limit the fire’s movement.