Montana Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Montana - July 27, 2026

Overview

Montana is experiencing an elevated fire risk driven by a combination of extreme heat, prolonged drought conditions in certain basins, and unseasonably warm temperatures. These factors have rapidly dried out the landscape, creating an abundance of highly combustible fuels across the state. Fire season spans expansive grasslands in the east and forested mountains in the west, and the potential for new significant wildfires to start is above normal. State and federal resources are actively engaged in initial attacks to prevent new ignitions from developing into large-scale incidents.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently about 67 active wildfires being tracked in Montana, covering roughly 828 acres across 18 counties. Over the last 72 hours, dry cold fronts, lightning storms, and human-caused ignitions have sparked several fast-moving fires. Firefighters are prioritizing rapid containment to prevent smaller grass and brush fires from spreading into heavier timber.

Key Fires:
West Spring Creek Fire: Located in Big Horn County, this is currently the largest tracked fire in the state at 131 acres. It is burning primarily in dry grasslands and brush, typical of the eastern plains. Containment efforts are ongoing.

North Fork Lost Horse Fire: Burning 10 miles southwest of Hamilton, this lightning-caused fire is currently 105 acres. It is fueled by heavy timber in the western mountainous terrain. Lost Horse Road is closed at the Lick Creek junction due to fire activity. Reduced wind speeds are currently aiding firefighters, and heavy equipment is en route to reinforce lines.

Twin Sisters Fire: Located in Judith Basin County, this fire has burned approximately 100 acres in dry grass and brush.

Perkins Fire & Elder 1 Fire: Located west of Anaconda and south of Frenchtown, respectively. Both fires grew rapidly over the weekend in heavy timber and brush due to hot, dry, and windy conditions.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: To reduce the risk of human-caused ignitions during this peak fire season, open debris burning is strictly prohibited across multiple counties, including Missoula, Ravalli, and Lewis & Clark counties. Stage 1 and Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect across the Kootenai National Forest and areas within Flathead, Lincoln, and Sanders counties. The Lolo National Forest has also implemented specific road and trail closures for public safety.

Air Quality: The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued an Air Quality Alert for several counties, including Missoula, Ravalli, Lewis and Clark, Hill, and Teton. Particulate levels have reached "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" in communities like Cut Bank, Hamilton, and Missoula. This is due to local fire activity and heavy smoke drifting from regional wildfires in Oregon and Washington.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Extreme heat is impacting the state, prompting Heat Advisories and Extreme Heat Warnings across central and eastern Montana, with daytime highs ranging from the low 90s up to 108 degrees.
Forecasted Weather: The National Weather Service has issued Red Flag Warnings for portions of central and eastern Montana, including the Lower Missouri River Breaks and surrounding counties. West winds are expected at 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph, combined with critically low relative humidity dropping to 13 to 15 percent. Isolated dry thunderstorms are expected, making lightning a primary concern for rapid new fire starts in highly receptive, dry fuels.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities when the Air Quality Index reaches unhealthy levels. It is crucial to adhere to all local burn bans and fire restrictions. Do your part to prevent accidental ignitions by properly extinguishing campfires where allowed, securing trailer chains, and avoiding driving or parking vehicles in dry grass.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters and local initial attack crews are prioritizing rapid containment to prevent smaller fires from spreading into heavier forest fuels. Additional heavy equipment and resources are being deployed to key incidents to manage the increased fire behavior brought on by the extreme heat.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Montana Wildfire Information: www.mtfireinfo.org
Montana DEQ Air Quality: todaysair.mtdeq.us

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.