Lewis and Clark County Emergency Management

04/20/2026

See you there!

Mark your Calendars for May 11th!

04/09/2026

See smoke south of Helena? That's mitigation work being done by the Forest Service. Follow their page for future notices and updates on projects.

Prescribed burn notice -

The Forest Service is planning a 330-acre prescribed burn two miles southwest of Helena off of Grizzly Gulch road on Thursday, April 9. The burn may extend into Friday, April 10 depending on conditions.

The Mini-Horse prescribed burn will incorporate lands between Show-Me-the-Horse Trail and Mini Ridge Trail systems. Trail users should choose alternative routes during burn operations on Thursday/Friday.

Please drive slow on Grizzly Gulch Road during this time period as fire personnel will be accessing the site along this road and visibility may be reduced. Residents and visitors in Helena may see/smell smoke during this window into the weekend.

Visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/mthlf-helenalewis-and-clark-nf-rx-fires/prescribed-burn-planned-for-thursday-april-9-and-friday-april-10-2026-04-06-2026 for more information on planned operations.

Visit: https://www.lccountymt.gov/Government/Public-Health/Environmental-Health/Air-Quality-in-the-Helena-Valley for community smoke resources.

04/06/2026

Your attention, please...

Elevated Fire Weather Conditions are predicted for the county on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Please, postpone pile burning until conditions improve and if you've burned recently, check old piles to be sure they are out and cold.

03/27/2026

Debris burning has reopened, and we appreciate everyone doing their part to burn safely and responsibly. Before you get started, take a moment to make sure you’re prepared for a successful and safe burn.

Tips for Responsible burning:
• Get a permit, activate it, and follow all regulations.
• Check the forecast for multiple days — calm conditions are best for safe burning.
• Have a shovel and a water source ready and nearby.
• Burn in an area cleared to bare soil with a 10‑foot radius around the pile.
• Keep burn piles small and manageable — 4 feet by 4 feet or less.
• Make sure the burn pile is completely out before leaving the area.
• Recheck the burn site over the next few days to ensure it has not reignited.
• Remember, safe burning helps protect your property, your neighbors, and our community.

Thank you for taking the time to use safe debris‑burning practices and for helping keep our community safe.

West Valley Fire Rescue Wolf Creek Craig Fire Service Area Tri-Lakes Volunteer Fire Department Birdseye Volunteer Fire Department York Volunteer Fire Department Lincoln Volunteer Fire Rescue East Valley Rural Fire District Canyon Creek Rural Fire District Baxendale Volunteer Fire Department Eastgate Volunteer Fire Department Lewis and Clark County Government Lewis & Clark County Sheriff's Office

03/24/2026

🔥Fire Update🔥
3/24/2026 at 1:00 pm | Lewis & Clark County (2 fires)

Ordway Fire
Location: Lewis & Clark County - Northeast of Craig, MT
Start Date: 3/20/2026
Size: 185 acres.
Cause: Escaped debris burn
Containment: 85%
6 Engines and 2 hand crews are on scene. Continuing mop up and securing perimeter with further progression into interior smokes. The Lewis & Clark County Sheriff’s Office has lifted the Evacuation Order for the Ordway Fire. Residents may return to their homes but remain alert and ready to leave if conditions change. Access to the area is RESIDENTS ONLY. Please keep to your own property so fire crews can continue to work towards containment.

Rattlesnake Fire
Location: Lewis & Clark County - West of I-15 by Gates of the Mountain Exit
Start Date: 3/20/2026
Size: 47 acres
Cause: Escaped debris burn
Containment: 100%
2 Engines are on scene. Crews are pulling hose lays. Interior smoke may be visible, please do not call 911.

03/24/2026

Over the next several days, parts of the state are expected to experience critical fire weather conditions, including increasing winds, warming temperatures, and dry fuels. These conditions can cause even small heat sources, such as embers, to quickly become fast-moving wildfires.

DNRC has identified an uptick in escaped debris burns and fires that were not fully extinguished over the past month. What may seem out can still hold heat and reignite, especially under windy conditions.

Take action today to prevent the next wildfire:

✔️Check recent burn sites. If you’ve burned debris recently, go back and make sure it is cold to the touch. Use the drown, stir, feel method by adding water, stirring ashes, and repeating until no heat remains.

✔️ Avoid burning when windy and avoid other actions that could cause a spark. Even a brief gust can carry embers into nearby grass or brush.

✔️ Clear around burn areas. Remove nearby fuels like dry grass, leaves, and wood debris.

✔️ Have water and tools ready. A shovel and water source should always be on hand when burning.

⚠️ Remember: If it’s too windy, it’s too risky! Consider postponing any burning until conditions improve.

We all play a role in preventing wildfires. Taking a few extra minutes to prepare today can prevent a wildfire tomorrow. For more information on safe fire practices and current fire restrictions, visit MTFireInfo.org

03/23/2026

Windy and dry conditions on Wednesday for southern Lewis and Clark County.

Gusty to strong winds and dry conditions may create elevated to critical fire weather conditions over southwest and portions of central MT on Wednesday. Be mindful of the fire risk and avoid activities that involve sparks or open flames.

03/22/2026

Fire updated from DNRC including the Ordway and Rattlesnake Fires.

03/21/2026

If you have burned this winter, check to see if any of the materials could rekindle.

Burn piles can reignite weeks after you extinguish them, all it takes is windy weather like we've been getting.

A fire that you start is your responsibility, especially if it isn't fully and completely extinguished. Even if you burned days or weeks ago, if a fire gets away from you and damages someone else's property, you may be held accountable for negligent arson and the full cost of the suppression expenses.

03/21/2026

03/21/2026

*****Ordway Fire Information*****

Update for Monday, March 23, 2026:
Effective at 12:00 pm, the Evacuation Order will be downgraded to an Evacuation Warning. Residents may return to their homes but remain alert and ready to leave if conditions change.

Access to the area is RESIDENTS ONLY. Please, keep to your own property so that fire crews can continue to work towards containment.

Lewis and Clark County has lifted the emergency declaration.

Update for Sunday, March 22:
Evacuation order remains in place and we be reevaluated on Monday. The fire is now 185 acres and 50% contained according to Montana DNRC.

Update for Saturday, March 21:
The evacuation order remains in place. The fire grew overnight and crews are still working to slow its progression. Conditions will be reassessed on Sunday, March 22.

Friday, March 20
EVACUATION ORDER

The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office has issued an evacuation order for residents near the Ordway Fire, located near Ordway Road east of Craig, Montana.

Evacuations are in effect for areas south of Beaver Slide Loop, including Arrow Drive, Ordway Road, and Little Bear Lane.

Roads closures are in place at North Fork Road, the junction of Charbonneau Drive and Frazier Road, and at both ends of Beaver Slide Loop.

Please avoid the area and allow fire responders to safely and effectively perform their work.

Residents who have not yet evacuated and choose to leave should take essential items with them, including medications and any necessary medical equipment. Once evacuated, residents will not be allowed to return to their property until the evacuation order is lifted.

Residents within the evacuation area who choose not to leave must remain on their own property.

Winds are expected to continue overnight, and fire conditions will be reevaluated on Saturday, March 21. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.