Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

08/31/2026

Mill Falls Campground will temporarily close for improvements between Aug. 31 and Nov. 1, 2026. Visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/helena-lewisclark/newsroom/releases for more information.

08/31/2026

Camp Creek Fire
Monday, August 31, 2026
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Type 3 Organization
Location: Within the Bob Marshall Wilderness 40 miles west of Augusta, Montana
Start Date/Time: 8/21/2026 at 4:48 PM
Cause: Lightning
Approximate Size: 9,613 acres
Containment: 0%

KEY MESSAGE:
The fire team is utilizing infrared flights to track fire growth, monitor fire progression and look for opportunities to limit spread, with firefighter safety, suppression objectives, and wilderness values as top priorities.

OPERATIONS:
Yesterday, crews continued point protection work around identified values at risk, creating more defensible areas by adding sprinklers and additional hose lays. These measures help increase moisture around structures and other identified values, while giving firefighters access to water if fire activity moves closer to those areas.

Today, crews continued suppression efforts across the Camp Creek Fire. Aviation resources supported operations by conducting reconnaissance, identifying potential access routes for ground crews, and providing a broader view of fire conditions. Information gathered from the air is helping firefighters assess fire behavior and identify opportunities to establish a boundary around the fire.

Rugged terrain, limited access, and ridgetop winds continue to add complexity to operations. Firefighter and public safety remains the highest priority, with suppression actions focused on where they can be effective while limiting unnecessary exposure to firefighters.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:
Sunny conditions are expected with a high near 75F, southwest winds of 5-10 mph, and relative humidity between 25-30%. Fire behavior is expected to be moderate and may increase during the afternoon as outflow winds increase.

AIR QUALITY:
Air quality is expected to be moderate in the area in the early morning and improve to good throughout the day. For more information on smoke and air quality, visit https://www.airnow.gov/state/?name=montana

CLOSURES:
Closures within the Bob Marshall Wilderness are necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe firefighting efforts and access. Closure information is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/helena-lewisclark/alerts

08/30/2026

08/30/2026
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Type 3 Organization
Location: Within the Bob Marshall Wilderness 40 miles west of Augusta, Montana
Start Date/Time: 8/21/2026 at 4:48 PM
Cause: Lightning
Approximate Size: 9,495 acres
Containment: 0%

KEY MESSAGE:
Updated infrared imagery and mapping will help firefighters track fire movement, evaluate changing conditions, and guide upcoming suppression actions.

OPERATIONS:
The Camp Creek Fire remains deep within the Bob Marshall Wilderness, where firefighters continue to closely monitor fire behavior and changing conditions. Crews are taking advantage of opportunities in the landscape to pursue suppression efforts. At this time, there are no immediate impacts to infrastructure, though crews continue to evaluate and implement point-protection measures.

Crews scouted the South Fork and Hoadley Creek confluence area to identify potential holding features that could be used during future suppression operations. Steep terrain and numerous standing dead trees (snags) remain a concern.

Thunderstorms over the fire area remain a challenge, which can produce shifting and gusty winds complicating operations and influencing fire behavior. Despite these conditions, firefighters continued evaluating opportunities to safely engage the fire using natural barriers and favorable terrain.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Cool, moist conditions will persist as a weather system moves across the area. Temperatures will decrease to 68F. There is an 80% potential for showers with thunderstorms in the afternoon capable of producing outflow winds 25-35 mph.

AIR QUALITY
Air quality is expected to remain moderate during the day as smoke settles into the area. Conditions are anticipated to improve into the good category during the evening as precipitation occurs. For more information on smoke and air quality, visit https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/bee1596c

CLOSURES
Closures within the Bob Marshall Wilderness are necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe firefighting efforts and access. Closure information is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/helena-lewisclark/alerts

08/29/2026

08/29/2026
Camp Creek Fire Update
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Type 3 Organization
Location: Within the Bob Marshall Wilderness 40 miles west of Augusta, Montana
Start Date/Time: 8/21/2026 at 4:48 PM
Cause: Lightning
Approximate Size: 9,260 acres
Containment: 0%

KEY MESSAGE:
A new Camp Creek Fire Trail Closure (01-10-D04-004-S-26) has been implemented to include trails south of the incident on the Spotted Bear Ranger District. Visitors planning to travel in or near the affected area are encouraged to review current closure information.

OPERATIONS:
Due to the fire's location, the inability to safely access it by ground, and the high risk associated with emergency extraction or medical evacuation, firefighters are using indirect suppression tactics around the perimeter of the fire. These tactics allow crews to work safely while establishing a secure containment footprint. Natural barriers, roads, and other strategic landscape features are being used to build fireline and protect values at risk.

The East Group fire crews focused on improving defensible areas and fuels mitigation in the Benchmark area ahead of the fire’s progression. Structure preparation is now 90% complete, with remaining work scheduled to conclude today.

West Group crews continued operations in and around the Danaher Cabin area, assessing and improving protection measures for infrastructure and critical facilities. Firefighters will identify conditions that may prompt additional suppression tactics.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Partly cloudy in the morning with a high near 78'F. There is a 70% potential for showers with thunderstorms in the afternoon with winds 5-10 mph, and afternoon gusts 15-20 mph.

AIR QUALITY
Air quality is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups in the area in the early morning and improve to moderate throughout the day as patchy smoke continues. For more information on smoke and air quality, visit https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/bee1596c

CLOSURES
Closures within the Bob Marshall Wilderness are necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe firefighting efforts and access. Closure information is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/helena-lewisclark/alerts

08/29/2026

Final Update: 8/30/26 at 12:00 pm
Sheep Fire
Location: Little Belt Mountains
Start Date/Time: August 28, 2026 / 6:15 pm
Approximate Acres: 2.7 acres
Containment: 100%
Cause: Lightning

With more accurate mapping, the Sheep Fire has decreased to 2.7 acres with 100% containment. Firefighters will continue to monitor, mop up, and address interior hot spots.

The fire transitioned to a type 5 incident management team.

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Update: 8/30/26 at 7:45 am
Sheep Fire
Location: Little Belt Mountains
Start Date/Time: August 28, 2026 / 6:15 pm
Approximate Acres: 3.5 acres
Containment: 50%
Cause: Lightning

Through strategic work with two local engines and 10-person hand crew, firefighters have achieved 50% containment on the Sheep Fire. The fire remained within established control lines as crews continue to be actively engaged in suppression efforts. Resources are returning to the fire this morning to continue mop-up operations, reinforce control lines, and address areas of residual heat.

The fire received precipitation throughout the evening with scattered showers anticipated throughout today.

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Update: 8/29/26 at 8:26 am
Sheep Fire
Location: Little Belt Mountains
Start Date/Time: August 28, 2026
Approximate Acres: 3.5 acres
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning

Firefighters made good progress on the Sheep Fire yesterday evening. Precipitation over the fire area helped moderate fire behavior. The fire remained within its footprint with no additional growth reported.

Today crews will continue working to hold and secure the fire perimeter and begin mop-up operations to strengthen control lines and address remaining heat.

Firefighter and public safety remain top priority as crews continue responding to fire activity across the area
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Sheep Fire
Belt Creek-White Sulphur Springs Ranger District
Start Date: August 28, 2026
Approximate Acres: 3.5 acres
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning

Firefighters from the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, along with resources from Meagher County, are responding to the Sheep Fire, located approximately 13 miles southwest of Neihart, Montana.

Crews have been engaged in initial attack efforts and forward progress of the fire has been stopped. Firefighters will continue working to secure the fire area and strengthen containment.

Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.

08/29/2026

Final Update: 8/31/26 at 2:36 pm
Porcupine Fire
Location: 11 miles NW of Lincoln
Start Date/Time: August 28, 2026 / 3:03 pm
Approximate Acres: 7 acres
Containment: 100%
Cause: Lightning

Firefighters reached 100% containment on the Porcupine Fire by the end of shift yesterday. Firefighters took advantage of the cooler morning weather and started addressing hotspots early in the day. Crews were able to begin patrol and mop up operations during today's shift.

This will be the final update for the Porcupine Fire.

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Update: 8/30/26 at 2:36 pm
Porcupine Fire
Location: 11 miles NW of Lincoln
Start Date/Time: August 28, 2026 / 3:03 pm
Approximate Acres: 7 acres
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning

The Porcupine Fire remained within its footprint throughout the night and showed little interior movement. Overnight, the fire area received approximately 0.10 inches of rain.

Today, firefighters reinforced and built out containment lines surrounding the fire and were able to call forward progress stopped. The team doesn’t anticipate change in acreage moving forward as the majority the interior pockets have burned out. Crews will continue to monitor fire behavior, mop up, and address interior hot spots.

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Update: 8/29/26 at 9:26 am

Porcupine Fire
Location: 11 miles NW of Lincoln
Start Date/Time: August 28, 2026 / 3:03 pm
Approximate Acres: 7 acres
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning

Firefighters are continuing direct attack operations, working along the fire’s edge to secure the perimeter and limit further growth. Crews remain actively engaged on the incident and will continue strengthening control lines and addressing areas of heat where conditions allow.

There is a small chance of isolated showers this evening. Any developing storms could produce strong, gusty outflow winds, which may influence fire behavior and will be closely monitored by firefighters.

The Porcupine Basin Trail remains open at this time. Visitors should expect increased fire traffic along Beaver Creek Road #4106. Signs will be posted on both sides of Huckleberry Pass to notify travelers of ongoing fire operations and increased fire-related traffic. Motorists and trail users are asked to slow down, use caution, and remain alert while traveling through the area.

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Porcupine Fire
Location: 11 miles NW of Lincoln
Start Date/Time: August 28, 2026 / 3:03 pm
Approximate Acres: 3 acres
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning

Firefighters, including aviation resources, from the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest are responding to the Porcupine Fire, located approximately 11 miles northwest of Lincoln, Montana. This is a developing situation, and more information will be shared when available.

Firefighters also responded to three new lightning-caused fires on the Lincoln Ranger District yesterday: the Snowbank Creek Fire, Bull Mountain Fire, and South Fork Humbug Fire. Each fire was approximately .10 acre, and all three were successfully contained with initial attack.

Photo of the Porcupine Fire taken by the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation Air Attack on August 28, 2026.

08/28/2026

Camp Creek Fire Trail Closure Update
Closure Order Number: 01-10-D04-004-S-26

Affected locations:
• East Side South Fork / Danaher Creek Trail #126
• Catchem Creek Trail #269
• Sentinel Creek Trail #737
• Ayres Creek Trail #273
• Basin Creek Trail #267
• Basin Creek Spur Trail
• Stadler Creek / Hoadley Creek Trail #271 / #226
• East Fork Ahorn Creek Trail #225
• Camp Creek Trail #233
• Ahorn Creek Trail #209
• South Fork Sun Trail #202
• Ettis Creek Trail #227
• Observation Pass Trail #246
• Elbow Pass Trail #248
• Cigarette Rock Trail #247
• Foolhen Creek Trail #142
• Rapid Creek Trail #139
• Fiction Creek Trail #272
• Alloy Creek Trail #265
• Calf Creek Trail #277

More information is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/helena-lewisclark/alerts/camp-creek-fire-trail-closure-updated

08/28/2026

The Forest Service - Flathead National Forest

Friday, August 28, 2026
Camp Creek Fire
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Type 3 Organization
Location: Within the Bob Marshall Wilderness 40 miles west of Augusta, Montana
Start Date/Time: 8/21/2026 at 4:48 PM
Cause: Lightning
Approximate Size: 8,404 acres
Containment: 0%

KEY MESSAGE:
An infrared (IR) flight has provided more accurate mapping, showing an increase in acreage over the last 3 days.

OPERATIONS:
Firefighters are using natural features across the landscape, including rocky areas and other natural barriers to support strategic suppression efforts within the remote and rugged terrain of the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

The fire is progressing into past fire footprints, where reduced vegetation is moderating fire behavior and progression. Crews are using these areas to their advantage while evaluating where additional suppression actions can be most effective.

Periodic thunderstorms remain a concern across the fire area, producing little wetting rains while creating the potential for gusty and shifting winds that influence fire behavior and firefighter safety.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Mostly cloudy conditions are expected today, with a high of 83'F. There is a 20% chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms that may produce southwest outflow winds up to 23 mph.

AIR QUALITY
Air quality is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups in the area in the early morning and improve to moderate throughout the day as patchy smoke continues. For more information on smoke and air quality, visit https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/bee1596c

CLOSURES
Closures within the Bob Marshall Wilderness are necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe firefighting efforts and access. Closure information is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/helena-lewisclark/alerts

08/28/2026

Friday, August 28, 2026
Camp Creek Fire
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Type 3 Organization
Location: Within the Bob Marshall Wilderness 40 miles west of Augusta, Montana
Start Date/Time: 8/21/2026 at 4:48 PM
Cause: Lightning
Approximate Size: 8,404 acres
Containment: 0%

KEY MESSAGE:
An infrared (IR) flight has provided more accurate mapping, showing an increase in acreage over the last 3 days.

OPERATIONS:
Firefighters are using natural features across the landscape, including rocky areas and other natural barriers to support strategic suppression efforts within the remote and rugged terrain of the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

The fire is progressing into past fire footprints, where reduced vegetation is moderating fire behavior and progression. Crews are using these areas to their advantage while evaluating where additional suppression actions can be most effective.

Periodic thunderstorms remain a concern across the fire area, producing little wetting rains while creating the potential for gusty and shifting winds that influence fire behavior and firefighter safety.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Mostly cloudy conditions are expected today, with a high of 83'F. There is a 20% chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms that may produce southwest outflow winds up to 23 mph.

AIR QUALITY
Air quality is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups in the area in the early morning and improve to moderate throughout the day as patchy smoke continues. For more information on smoke and air quality, visit https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/bee1596c

CLOSURES
Closures within the Bob Marshall Wilderness are necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe firefighting efforts and access. Closure information is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/helena-lewisclark/alerts

08/27/2026

Forest Service video of the Camp Creek Fire from the Patrol Mountain Lookout on the Rocky Mountain Ranger District of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.

Placed on remote mountain peaks, lookouts scan the landscape for smoke and track local weather to catch fires for a swift reponse.

Narration provided by Sam Duffey, Forestry Technician (Lookout), on August 27, 2026.