Drought & Fire Updates
Larb Creek Fire, 2006. Smoke and ash from a large fire at Canyon Ferry Smoke billowing over mountains in Region Three Fiery red sunset over the Gallatin Valley

News

Drought and wildland fires affect Montana's fish, wildlife, and parks. Please check here for news on current conditions and any restrictions in effect to protect Montana's natural resources.

Recent Drought & Fire News

Updates

Counties with fire restrictions appear on the map link below. The map is updated as restrictions occur and change.

Counties with fire restrictions in the future will appear on the map link below. The map is updated as restrictions occur and change.

  • InciWeb —This public Web site provides wildland fire information in the Northern Rockies. There are active fires in Montana, so please check this Web site for details on the location and status of active fires.
  • Fire Restrictions Map —This map shows fire restrictions in Montana, by county, soon after they occur. For more details, visit the NRCG site .
  • Definitions of Fire Restrictions —Common activities and how they are affected by Stage I and Stage II fire restrictions are defined on this page.

Angling Under Drought Conditions

When water levels drop and stream temperatures rise, FWP may restrict fishing to protect the State's sport fisheries. Low water and high temperatures cause fish to seek deep pools, making them more vulnerable to predators, disease, and to anglers. For more information, and to check the conditions on your favorite fishing streams, please use the links below.

Drought Management Plans

Regional Drought Reports

Montana Fish,Wildlife & Parks continuously monitors drought conditions and how they may be impacting the state's fisheries. To review these detailed reports throughout the fishing season, please check the links below.

A wildfire at Holter Lake has forced state wildlife officials to close the Beartooth Wildlife Management Area until further notice. The fire, which erupted Wednesday at a marina on Holter Lake, has led to the closure of the Beartooth Road, the only road into the WMA. A few hunters were on the WMA when the fire broke out and were forced to leave. The Beartooth WMA, about 32,000 acres, is popular with bowhunters this time of year looking for elk, and with horseback riders. (September 11)