The 2026 Montana wildfires are a series of active wildfires currently ongoing in Montana.
Background While "fire season" in Montana varies every year based on weather conditions, most wildfires occur in between May and October. Wildfires are influenced by above-average temperatures and dry conditions that influence drought. When vegetation dries out earlier in the season, wildfires are more likely to start and spread. The leading cause of wildfires in Montana is burning debris. The spread rate of wildfires is affected by the buildup of fuels.
List of wildfires
The following is a list of fires that burned more than , produced significant structural damage, or resulted in casualties. NameCounty AcresStart dateContainment dateNotesRef.Rehder CreekMusselshellEvacuation orders in Roundup and surrounding areas.MarchPowder RiverEast SideCarbonCause under investigation. Closed U.S. Route 212 south of Red Lodge and prompted evacuations.Jericho CreekPowellBurned in Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest southwest of Helena.BradshawPowder RiverCoal-seam fire that burned southwest of Broadus.AnticlineWibaux, PrairieUndetermined cause. Burned in Wibaux.SilvertipFlatheadLightning-caused. Burning in Bob Marshall Wilderness.Elder 1MissoulaBurned southwest of Frenchtown.MooseGraniteLightning-caused. Burning southwest of Philipsburg and prompting evacuations.SkilletFlathead, LincolnLightning-caused. Burning west of Olney and prompted evacuations.Bobcat LakesBeaverheadUnknown cause. Burning east of Wisdom and prompting evacuations.Sand CreekBeaverheadUnknown cause. Burning southwest of Wisdom and prompting evacuations.Black BearRavalliLightning-caused. Burning east of Hamilton. Middle CouleeChouteauBurning east of Floweree.WindmillStillwater, Sweet GrassUndetermined cause. Burning in Reed Point and prompted evacuations.Camp CreekLewis and Clark, PowellClosing portions of Lewis and Clark National Forest and Clark National Forest.
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