CSKT Division of Fire

09/03/2026

Thursday, September 10… 🚫🔥

09/03/2026

Fire Managers have Rescinded Fire Restrictions on the Flathead Indian Reservation
Fire Danger: Moderate

Ronan, MT – 1200 pm. Effective immediately fire managers across the Flathead Indian Reservation have rescinded Stage I Fire Restrictions. Widespread precipitation has lowered the fire danger to Moderate and has provided much needed relief for firefighters across western Montana. While fire danger has lessened, fire season in the Northern Rockies in not over.

Debris burning is closed until October 1, 2026. By then weather conditions will provide more security against the chance of burning debris piles escaping. Typically, the end of September marks the end of fire season, and when open burning is traditionally opened.

With restrictions lifted, please keep the following in mind:

• Never leave a fire unattended until it is cold to the touch
• When debris burning opens, make sure to keep plenty of water and sufficient personnel, tools, and equipment ready in case of unexpected changes in fire behavior.
• Light the fire only when you have an update on safe weather and safe burning conditions. (e.g. winds calm, weather cool)
• When possible, make plans to re-pile debris as material is consumed. This will allow the fire to burn out as quickly as possible.
• Stay with your fire. Be prepared to put your fire out if it becomes difficult to manage.

08/23/2026

Lightning strike fire confirmed 12 miles south of Hot Springs, MT. The Michel Creek Fire is estimated at 1\10 of an acre. This fire currently has 7 personnel fighting the fire and there are no structures threatened or closures in place.

08/22/2026

CS&KT Division of Fire officials are asking the public to use extreme caution this weekend. A FIRE WEATHER WATCH is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning. Afternoon and evening thunderstorms will transition to nocturnal thunderstorms.

Dry surface conditions could lead to lightning producing storms with little to no precipitation. Outflow winds through 9pm, erratic winds 25 to 40 mph. Any fires that develop could spread rapidly. Campfires are not recommended during this FIRE WEATHER WATCH. Please help keep our community and firefighters safe.

08/18/2026

Fire Danger lowered to HIGH on the Flathead Indian Reservation

August 18, 2026 - Ronan, Montana – The Division of Fire officials want to update the public on the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes fire danger. The Flathead Indian Reservations fire danger is at High.
The Flathead Indian Reservation received some good precipitation last week and along with cooler temperatures, the CS&KT fire officials have discussed the modification of the current fire restrictions. In the next week the temperatures will be at or above normal.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are still in effect within the boundary of the Flathead Indian Reservation until further notice.
The following acts are prohibited until further notice:

• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire except within a developed recreation site or improved site.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
• Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails.

It is August in Montana, so fire season is not over, and vegetation will cure with these above normal temperatures. This type of fine, dead fuel is the primary carrier of fire in the wildland, and when fires get established in this fuel type they can quickly spread out of control.

Debris burning is illegal on the Flathead Indian Reservation until October 1.

If a small fire becomes a full-blown forest fire, it could lead to arson charges, fines and even the bill for all fire-caused costs.

For any questions call The Division of Fire at 406.676.2550

08/12/2026

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08/09/2026

🐻🚫🔥

Join us in wishing a happy 82nd birthday to Smokey Bear! Thank you for always reminding us that “only you can prevent wildfires.”

08/08/2026

CS&KT Division of Fire officials are asking the public to use extreme caution today. A RED FLAG WARNING in effect from noon to 9pm, Saturday due to strong winds and low relative humidity on the Flathead Reservation. Any fires that develop could spread rapidly. Campfires are not recommended during this Red Flag Warning. Winds will be out of the west 10-15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Please help keep our community and firefighters safe.

08/07/2026

Minesinger 2 Fire Update
August 7, 2026

Start Date: August 6, 2026
Cause: Under Investigation

Location: 4 miles SE of Polson, MT

Fuels: Timber, down dead fuel, forest litter, grass & shrubs

Estimated Size: 4 acres

Containment: 0% Slope: Steep

Personnel: 30

Incident Command: Local Type 4 organization

No Evacuations at this time and No structures are threatened.

Activity: Today, firefighters will continue to secure perimeter and grid for hot spots. A dozer is assigned to open an old road that will help with suppression. Air support will also be utilized on the blaze. The fire has not grown since the initial attack.

Weather Outlook: Today: Red Flag Warning! Hot and dry conditions will persist through the weekend, featuring poor overnight RH recoveries on ridges and midslopes. As the upper ridge flattens today, increasing afternoon westerlies will drive near-critical to critical fire weather, mainly through the Lolo. Critical fire weather conditions then expand further to include the Flathead Reservation and the west Lolo Saturday. Regional wildfire smoke will continue to limit visibility at times, especially in valleys during the morning hours.

If you have questions or concerns regarding this notice, please contact Division of Fire at 676-2550

08/07/2026

The Minesinger 2🔥Fire is burning 4 miles south of Polson, MT in the Mission Mountains. The fire is burning mid slope and is approximately 5 acres at this time. The start of the fire is under investigation. Currently the resources on the fire are…
Miscellaneous Division of Fire Overhead, 11 Smoke Jumpers, Air Attack, 4 Single Engine Air Tankers, 9 Heli Repellers, 2 Type 1 Helicopters, 1 Type 3 Helicopter, & 1 Dozer.
There are no structures threatened and no evacuations at this time.