Montana Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Montana - July 07, 2026

Overview

Montana is experiencing an elevated fire risk due to a complex winter shaped by ongoing drought in some regions, major wind events, and unusually warm spring temperatures that caused mid-elevation snowpack to melt much earlier than normal. This combination of factors has led to potentially risky situations for wildfires across the state, with eastern and southwest Montana facing above-normal fire potential. The current National Preparedness Level is 4, indicating that national resources are heavily committed.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Significant wildland fire activity began unusually early this year in Montana, requiring extensive mobilization of personnel and resources. Over the last 72 hours, firefighters have been focused on initial attacks on new starts, as well as patrolling and mopping up the perimeters of several major early-season fires. Quick responses have been crucial; for instance, crews in the Custer Gallatin National Forest recently contained three new wildfire starts and an abandoned campfire to under a tenth of an acre over the holiday weekend.

Key Fires:

• Rehder Creek Fire: Located 16 miles southeast of Roundup in Musselshell County, this is currently the largest active incident, having burned approximately 4,886 acres. It previously prompted evacuation orders in Roundup and surrounding areas. Crews are focused on securing containment lines while monitoring pockets of heavy fuels.
• Bradshaw Fire: Located 35 miles southwest of Broadus in Powder River County, this coal-seam fire has reached 2,689 acres. It is fueled by timber, brush, pine, juniper, grass, and sagebrush, and has exhibited active behavior driven by erratic winds.
• Jericho Creek Fire: A lightning-caused fire located 16 miles southwest of Helena in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. It has burned 2,068 acres in steep terrain, primarily fueled by heavy dead and down timber (litter and understory). Fire behavior has moderated, and crews are working to secure containment lines.
• Deer Hollow Fire: Located two miles southeast of Darby in Ravalli County, this recent holiday-weekend start has reached 402 acres and is currently 80% contained. It is primarily burning in short grass (1 foot).
• Lost Cabin Fire: Located 35 miles south of Billings in Carbon County, this fire is currently 305 acres and 0% contained. Firefighters are actively working on suppression efforts.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Prescribed burning and mechanical fuel reduction strategies across the state have faced limitations recently due to narrow windows of safe weather conditions and ongoing drought. As a result, agencies have implemented strict fire restrictions to prevent human-caused wildfires. Open burning is prohibited from July 1 through September 30 due to Montana's core wildfire season. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect in various counties, prohibiting campfires outside of designated areas and restricting smoking to enclosed vehicles or cleared areas.
Air Quality: Smoke may still be visible near the Jericho Creek Fire (around Elliston and MacDonald Pass) and the Rehder Creek Fire as interior pockets of heavy fuels continue to smolder. Residents in affected areas should monitor air quality and plan outdoor activities accordingly.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: A widespread risk for showers and thunderstorms continues across central Montana, with enough moisture to support locally heavy rain and a few strong to severe thunderstorms. Gusty winds and lightning are the primary hazards near today's storms.
Forecasted Weather: Red Flag Warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service for parts of south-central and eastern Montana—including Wheatland, Park, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, and Gallatin counties—due to critical fire weather conditions. A combination of low humidity (dropping to 15-20%), unseasonably warm temperatures, and strong, gusty northwest winds of 15 to 35 mph (with gusts reaching up to 60 mph) will create dangerous fire weather conditions, increasing the likelihood of new fire starts and rapid fire spread.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: With a significant portion of summer wildfires being human-caused, residents and visitors are asked to recreate responsibly. Ensure all campfires are fully extinguished until they are cold to the touch, and never leave a fire unattended. It is crucial to have an emergency evacuation plan in place and to clear dead brush from properties to prepare homes before a fire presents a threat.
Resource Allocation: Fire officials from Montana and across the region are preparing for an active 2026 fire season under a newly consolidated federal agency structure, the United States Wildland Fire Service. Safety remains the top priority, with the goal of swift initial action on every new fire start to protect communities and natural resources.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Montana Fire Information: www.mtfireinfo.org
InciWeb (Active Wildfires): inciweb.wildfire.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.