Montana Fires

Fire Activity Moderates Across Montana as Crews Shift to Suppression Repair

Wildfire activity across Montana remains subdued as crews make steady progress securing perimeters, mopping up hot spots, and carrying out suppression repair. Significant fire potential is low statewide under regional Preparedness Level 1. An incoming Pacific weather system is forecast to bring cooler weather and wetting rain to western Montana, continuing to aid containment efforts.

Key Fires

• Sand Creek Fire — Burning southeast of Wisdom in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, fire behavior has moderated to creeping and smoldering as crews transition to suppression repair and equipment retrieval. Forest Service road and area closures remain active around the fire perimeter for public safety.
• Bobcat Lakes Fire — The lightning-caused fire in Beaverhead County is contained, with crews focusing on line stabilization and suppression repair. All previous evacuation orders along the Clark Creek and Shale Creek corridors have been rescinded.
• Davis Coulee Fire — Burning southwest of Crow Agency in Big Horn County, crews are mopping up remaining hot spots and strengthening containment lines. All evacuation warnings east of the incident have been lifted with no communities currently threatened.
• Nature Grove Fire — Located south of Highway 38 in Ravalli County, the fire continues to show minimal activity in timber. An emergency closure remains in effect for Forest Service Road 720, while adjacent travel corridors remain open.

Conditions and Outlook

There are no active Red Flag Warnings or fire weather watches across Montana, and significant fire potential remains low statewide. A Pacific weather system will bring cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and chances of wetting rain across western Montana over the next several days. Light winds and overcast conditions in central and eastern portions will continue to limit fire spread.

Burn Bans and Land Management

Bitterroot National Forest and state wildlife managers recently conducted a fall prescribed burn in the Threemile Creek State Wildlife Management Area near Stevensville. Residents should consult MTFireInfo.org for current local restrictions and area fire regulations.

What Residents Should Do

• Observe Bitterroot and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest road and area closures around active incidents.
• Check MTFireInfo.org for updated county-level fire restrictions and local guidance.
• Yield to heavy firefighting equipment and transport crews operating along rural forest roads.