Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Incidents All News

Zoom to your location
Reset map zoom and position

Could not determine your location.

Bowles Creek Fire

Unit Information

420 Barrett St 
Dillon, 
59725 
420 Barrett St 
Dillon, 
59725 

Incident Contacts

  • Fire Information
    Email:
    2023.bowlescreek@firenet.gov
    Phone:
    406-859-3211
    Hours:
    8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

News

The Nevada Team 3 Incident Management Team is managing the Bowles Creek Fire. The Bowles Creek Fire is currently at 6,847 acres. After several days of rain, the area will have a few days of drying, which may increase fire activity and cause smoke to impact nearby roads. Motorists traveling on Hwy 38, Skalkaho Road, should be aware firefighters continue to be present along the roadway and to drive with caution.
The Nevada Team 3 Incident Management Team is managing the Bowles Creek Fire. The Bowles Creek Fire is currently at 6,847 acres. Motorists traveling on Hwy 38, Skalkaho Road, are urged to drive with caution as firefighters will be present along the roadway.
Management of the Bowles Creek Fire transitioned to the Nevada Type 3 Incident Management Team today, August 20, 2023. The Bowles Creek Fire is currently at 6,847 acres. With lower temperatures, increased relative humidity, and precipitation in the area, fire activity was limited. Motorists traveling on Hwy 38, Skalkaho Road, are urged to drive with caution as firefighters will be present along the roadway throughout the day as they continue fire operations.
Management of the Bowles Creek Fire will transition to Nevada Type 3 Incident Management Team tomorrow, August 20, 2023.
The Bowles Creek Fire has increased to 6,847 acres. This increase includes fire growth from the last two days, as fire managers were able to map the fire with an IR flight late last night. The fire remains very active on the northeast perimeter and is approaching areas that may affect Hwy 38, Skalkaho Road. Travelers wishing to travel Hwy 38 are urged to check for updates to ensure the road remains open. Updated information can be found on the incident Facebook page, as well as on Inciweb.
Smoke from the Bowles Creek Fire continues to impact local communities, especially along Hwy 38, Skalkaho Road. Hwy 38 remains open. However, motorists are urged to drive slowly and with caution as heavy fire operations are occurring along the entirety of the roadway. Additionally, smoke from the fire settles more heavily at night, so drivers are urged to remain extra vigilant if traveling through the area after sunset. In light of potential changing fire conditions, it is recommended to check for updated information on road and area closures prior to traveling.
Highway 38, Skalkaho Road, remains open to the public. However, continued smoke impacts and fire operations may impact travel along the roadway, especially at night when visibility will be even further reduced. Motorists should exercise extreme caution while driving. The public is urged to travel along Highway 38 with caution and check for updated information in case of potential travel restrictions and closures as fire activity is expected to increase over the next several days.
Fire crews on the east side of the fire continue to work on constructing a fuel break. Chipping operations continue along FS Road 5070 south toward Sand Basin Creek. Snag removal operations continue in the Crystal Creek area. The crews on the west side of the fire continue to secure the line down to Railroad Creek, fortify the fireline and install hose lays. Crews continue to evaluate values at risk and mitigate as needed.
Bowles Creek Fire August 14.2023
Updated On: 08/16/2023
Crews on the east side continue to construct a fuel break in the fire area. Chipping operations continue along FS Road 5070 south towards Sand Basin Creek. Snag removal operations continue in the Crystal Creek Area. The crews on the west side continue to secure the line down to Railroad Creek, fortify the fire line and install hose lays. Crews continue to evaluate values of risk and mitigate as needed.
Crews have completed shaded fuelbreak on the eastern portion of the fire on the FS Road 5071. They continue to scout for more areas to treat and establish more containment opportunities, especially in the south and west sections of the area. Those recreating or traveling in or through the fire area are encouraged to drive cautiously and yield to increased fire traffic. Also be aware of road construction and traffic delays. Expect limited visibility in areas of increased smoke.