Article Summary –
Firefighters in western Montana are actively battling several large timber fires, with the most significant being the Remington Fire, which is nearing total containment across multiple counties. Other notable fires include the Sharrott Creek Fire near Stevensville, the Johnson Fire near the Beaverhead County border, and the Grouse Fire in Beaverhead County, which has seen recent growth. Despite high temperatures, the National Weather Service forecasts mild fire risk due to a lack of fast winds and low humidity, although hazy skies are expected from incoming smoke.
In the past week, firefighters have battled several large timber fires in western Montana’s backcountry. Efforts are shifting away from the Remington Fire, the state’s largest wildfire this season, as it nears full containment across Big Horn, Rosebud, and Powder River counties.
Ravalli County is facing multiple significant blazes. The Sharrott Creek Fire has expanded to nearly 3,000 acres, positioned three miles west of Stevensville. It is currently 23% contained and has grown considerably, making it the most-staffed fire in Montana. Nearby, the Railroad and Daly fires span 2,500 acres along the Ravalli and Granite County border. Additionally, the Johnson Fire continues to burn over 4,000 acres in southern Ravalli County close to Beaverhead County.
The Grouse Fire in Beaverhead County has reached 5,000 acres, located about 10 miles south of Wise River. Initially reported on July 25, the fire expanded quickly, leading to the demobilization of the fire camp by mid-August. However, a sudden 600-acre surge on September 4 has caused the fire to persist.
The National Weather Service offices in Missoula and Billings forecast calm winds and low humidity for the weekend, minimizing fire risk despite high temperatures. Expect hazy skies due to incoming smoke from Idaho and Canada.
