Montana Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Montana - April 29, 2026

Overview

Montana is experiencing an early and intense start to its wildfire season due to a drier-than-normal winter characterized by a lack of precipitation and a fast-melting snowpack. Unseasonably warm temperatures, low humidity, and dry fuels have created a volatile environment for wildfires across the state, exacerbated by a sharp "dryline" weather boundary that has brought dangerous fire weather to the region. The current National Preparedness Level is 2, indicating that while national firefighting resources are stable, multiple geographic areas are experiencing active incidents that require federal and interagency assistance.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently multiple active wildfires burning in south-central and western Montana, which have prompted mandatory evacuations and road closures over the last 72 hours. Firefighters are actively engaged in suppression efforts, focusing heavily on structure protection, improving defensible space, and constructing fire lines. While the potential for rapid fire spread remains elevated due to critical fire weather conditions, an incoming cold front is beginning to provide some localized relief.

Key Fires:

• Pine Creek Fire: Located south of Livingston, this fast-moving fire is estimated at over 2,500 acres. It is being fueled by mixed timber and grasslands. Wind gusts of up to 40 mph have pushed the fire rapidly, prompting evacuation orders for residents south of Livingston and south of Roscoe. Local rural fire departments, along with resources from the USFS and Montana DNRC, are actively responding.
• 19-Mile Fire: Located near Whitehall, this fire has burned between 1,000 and 3,000 acres in less than 24 hours. Fueled by dry vegetation and timber, the fire has unfortunately burned several structures, and residents in the Toll Mountain area have been evacuated.
• East Side Fire: Located south of Red Lodge in Carbon County, this fire has grown to approximately 1,600 acres with minimal containment. The fire is fueled by highly flammable dry brush, vegetation, and timber. Approximately 185 homes are currently empty as residents follow safety orders, and Highway 212 is closed at West Fork Road. Crews are focused on structure defense, carving dozer lines, and cooling hot spots along the fire's edges.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Land management agencies are utilizing the spring weather window to conduct prescribed burns. The Bureau of Land Management's North Central Montana District is implementing multiple prescribed burns, including the Whitewater Lake and Tin Can Unit B projects, to restore native grasses, improve wildlife habitat, and reduce hazardous fuel loads. The BLM Missoula Field Office is preparing to treat about 1,000 acres to remove smaller "ladder fuels". Additionally, the Flathead National Forest and the DNRC Bozeman Unit (near the Flying D Ranch off US-191) are conducting prescribed fire operations as weather and air quality conditions allow.

Air Quality: Smoke from the East Side Fire and other active blazes has significantly impacted local air quality around Red Lodge and surrounding areas. Residents in the Gallatin Gateway and Bozeman areas, as well as the Helena valley, should also expect visible smoke from prescribed burning activities, which may settle into nearby valleys overnight.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: A sharp "dryline" weather boundary is currently setting up across the central United States, dividing bone-dry desert air to the west from moisture-rich air to the east. This boundary is bringing gusty winds and extremely low relative humidity to the region, fueling dangerous fire weather.
Forecasted Weather: Red Flag Warnings are in effect for much of eastern and southeastern Montana over the next 72 hours. Relative humidity is expected to drop as low as 5 to 15 percent, with sustained southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts up to 55 mph. These critical fire weather conditions support rapid ignition and extreme fire behavior. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and erratically, and outdoor burning is highly discouraged.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to be mindful of fire traffic and potential smoke impacts. If you live near prescribed burn areas like Gallatin Gateway or Bozeman and see smoke, please do not call 911, as these are planned and monitored events. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place, adhere strictly to local evacuation warnings, and clear dead brush from properties to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are working under challenging early-season conditions, implementing tactical operations such as carving dozer lines and setting up sprinkler systems for structure defense. Agencies continue to train for increased fire risk and conduct fuel mitigation projects to clear high-risk areas.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC): dnrc.mt.gov
Montana Wildfire Information: www.mtfireinfo.org

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.