Jericho Creek

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Jericho Creek Fire ignited on May 13, 2026, due to a lightning strike. It is located in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, near Jericho Mountain and Hahn Creek Road in Powell County, Montana, approximately 16 miles southwest of Helena.
Size and Containment: As of the latest reports over the last 72 hours, the fire has burned approximately 2,068 acres and is currently between 82% and 84% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire is burning in steep terrain and is primarily fueled by heavy dead and down timber. While the fire recently experienced gusty outflow winds from passing thunderstorms, all containment lines held, and the fire did not experience any additional growth.
Containment Efforts: Firefighters have made significant progress, conducting successful strategic firing operations to bring the fire to containment lines. Resources assigned to the incident have included hotshot crews, dozers, masticators, excavators, water tenders, engines, suppression modules, and an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). Crews are currently focused on securing lines, patrolling the fire area, and monitoring pockets of heavy fuels burning inside the perimeter.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place for the Jericho Creek Fire.
Evacuation Warnings: No evacuation warnings are currently active, but residents are advised to remain vigilant and mindful of changing conditions.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Not applicable at this time.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• The public is strictly asked to avoid Telegraph Road and Hahn Creek Road due to heavy fire vehicle traffic.
• Visitors are also asked to avoid the Continental Divide area south of MacDonald Pass to Minnehaha/Bryon Creek Road to give fire crews space to work safely.

For more information, visit:

• Montana Fire Info (Wildfire Dashboard)
• Montana DNRC Current Fire Information
• National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Jericho Creek Fire.
Structures Impacted: No structures have been reported damaged or destroyed.
School and Business Closures: None reported.
Notable Impacts: The steep terrain and heavy dead timber have made firefighting efforts challenging, requiring crews to carefully manage work-rest cycles to avoid exhaustion.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No power outages have been reported in connection with this fire.
Air Quality: Strategic burning operations and the continued burning of heavy fuels within the fire's perimeter have produced significant smoke. Smoke remains visible in surrounding areas, including Helena and Elliston. Residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions, should monitor local air quality and stay indoors if smoke becomes heavy.
Burn Bans: During the spring and summer months, open burning is strictly regulated by Montana counties. Residents must obtain permits and follow local burn restrictions to prevent new starts.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With containment reaching over 80%, fire behavior has moderated significantly. Crews will continue to monitor and secure the fireline. Pockets of heavy fuel inside the perimeter will continue to burn and produce smoke, but the fire is not expected to spread outside current lines.
Weather and Wind Warnings: A cooler weather pattern with rain has moved into the area, and fire behavior is expected to remain minimal. The forecasted precipitation is expected to greatly aid ongoing firefighting and mop-up efforts.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The Jericho Creek Fire was sparked by a lightning strike on May 13, 2026.
Weather and Climate: Montana is experiencing an early and elevated fire season driven by a dire snowpack state following the 2025-2026 winter, combined with abnormally warm spring temperatures. Snowpack in the mountains is critically low, causing vegetation and soil to dry out much earlier than usual. This combination of factors has created an environment primed for wildfires across the state, with the region facing above-average significant wildland fire potential.

For more information, visit:

• Montana Fire Info (Wildfire Dashboard)
• Montana DNRC Current Fire Information
• National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)