Nature Grove
active fire 
wildfire Updated
Environment
Right Now
| TODAY | SEP 7 | SEP 8 | SEP 9 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weather | 49° 49° |  49° 42° | 59° 37° | 68° 41° |
| Area Fire Potential | TODAY Lowest SEP 7 Lowest SEP 8 Lowest SEP 9 Lowest | |||
| Area Fuels | Timber (Litter and Understory) | |||
Response
LEAD AGENCY
Forest ServiceRESPONSE LEVEL
Type 3
Details
INCIDENT DETAILS
FIRE BEHAVIOR
Minimal
NEAREST CITY
Hamilton
DESCRIPTION
15 Miles SE from Hamilton, MTOVERVIEW
Nature Grove Fire started on 08/23 and is currently at 1,422 acres and 0% containment.Inciweb Media
Recent media provided by InciWeb of Montana fire activity.
Nature Grove Fire Report — September 5, 2026
Evacuation warnings lifted as rain moderates fire along Skalkaho Highway
The Nature Grove Fire is burning in timber in the Skalkaho drainage south of Highway 38, east of Hamilton. Recent rainfall and cooler weather have moderated fire activity to creeping and smoldering as crews strengthen containment and contingency lines. Nearby structures remain threatened, though all evacuation warnings along Skalkaho Highway have been lifted.
Evacuations and Closures
- All evacuation warnings along Skalkaho Highway were lifted on September 4.
- Highway 38 (Skalkaho Highway) returned to standard travel on September 4 following the end of pilot car escorts.
- Skalkaho Road (Forest Service Road 75) remains closed from Highway 38 to Forest Service Road 720 as of September 4, though access is open past mile marker 5.
- Forest Service Roads 711, 720, 5070, and 5071 and connecting ancillary roads remain closed as of September 4.
- Forest Service Road 714 (Gird Point Road) reopened to public access on September 4.
- Black Bear Campground remains closed due to suppression operations as of September 3.
- Railroad Creek Trail (Trail #77) and Weasel Creek Trail (Trail #156) remain closed as of September 4.
- A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in effect over the fire area as of September 4.
Impact
Smoke has settled into the Skalkaho drainage area. No structural damage or injuries have been reported.
Conditions and Outlook
Cool and wet conditions are expected to persist for several days, with incoming rain showers and elevated humidity keeping fire behavior subdued. Breezes will remain mostly light to moderate, shifting from easterly to southwesterly as the weather system passes. Firefighters plan to take advantage of the damp weather to complete primary and contingency containment lines and test structure protection systems.
Cause and Context
The fire was ignited by lightning on August 23, 2026, roughly a half-mile above Black Bear Campground in the Bitterroot National Forest.
Resources
Official updates current through September 5, 2026.
View All