Sand Creek Fire burning 1,400 acres southeast of Wisdom

UPDATE: August 7, 2026 at 9:09 a.m.

The Sand Creek Fire has grown to 5,257 acres and is 0% contained, according to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. 

Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway is closed from Sheep Creek to Grand Vista.

The U.S. Forest Service said the fire spread southward overnight. 

WISDOM, Mont. - The Sand Creek Fire is burning around 1,400 acres just over 7 miles southeast of Wisdom, according to a press release from the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The fire sparked on July 26 and the cause remains unknown. 

Forest Service Road 2420, also known as Steel Fox Road, is closed to the public with no current estimated reopening date. 

"West of the fire, a hot shot crew continues prep work and scouting efforts along Steel Fox Road (FSR 2520) to improve access for equipment and egress safety routes," the forest service said. "Last night, fire activity was active along the south side of the fire, a visible glow could be seen from Wisdom and surrounding area." 

The forest service said that the fire's recent behavior is trending toward more activity in the afternoons.