Update: Montana’s Largest Fires of 2026

The fires that ruined the summer in the scenic Pioneer Mountains are now all but extinguished, with the Pioneer Scenic Byway and most of the valley reopening for a few days before the snow flies.

The Forest Service announced over the weekend that it was ramping down fire operations that started back when the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes fires began at the end of July.

Containment on Sand Creek is now 93%, with the blaze having consumed 35,520 acres. Bobcat Lakes ended at 10,896 acres. Those totals also include areas involved in "blackburn" operations. Local crews will be continuing some smaller amount of work until the weather changes.

A long summer in the Pioneers

The two fires, which were started by passing lightning storms at the end of July and start of August, presented a major challenge for firefighters because of the rugged terrain in the West Pioneers, further complicated by extensive deadfall and downed timber.

It was also challenging for residents, especially around the Polaris area, who were evacuated for multiple weeks.

READ MORE: Montana's Season Eases, But Drought Continues

Still some closures in place

All of the closures have been lifted, with the exception of Grasshopper Campground and Steel-Fox Road.

The popular Pioneer Scenic Byway is reopened, allowing access to destinations like Crystal Park, Elkhorn Hot Springs, and the ghost town of Coolidge, which was threatened at the height of the fires.

However, visitors are being reminded that there are a lot of hazards to watch out for, including unstable dead trees, loose rocks, and falling logs, as well as hidden burned-out stump holes. Ash and needles can make roadways slippery, and burned areas are vulnerable to sudden flash flooding and debris flows.