Montana Wildfire Map & Tracker
Track active wildfires across Montana in real time. WildFire-Ready maps active fires, perimeters, evacuation alerts, smoke and air quality, and fire bans, drawn from National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), National Weather Service, InciWeb, and NASA FIRMS, updated continuously.
What causes wildfires in Montana
Montana wildfires come from both lightning and human causes, with lightning frequent in the mountain forests of the west and human starts common across the prairies and near communities. The state's mix of conifer forests, grasslands, and dry rangelands means fire behavior varies sharply between the mountainous west and the open eastern plains. Hot, dry summer conditions, low humidity, and gusty winds can drive both fast grass fires and large timber fires.
Montana fire season
Montana's fire season generally peaks from July through September, when forests in the west and grasslands in the east dry out. Lightning and wind-driven runs are recurring threats.
Montana's wildfire season generally runs from summer into early fall, with the highest risk in the hot, dry weeks of mid to late summer. Grass fires on the eastern plains can also flare in dry, windy spring conditions. Activity tends to wind down as fall moisture returns.
How to read the Montana map
Flame markers show active fires reported by official agencies, and selecting one shows its status and details. Fire perimeters and evacuation zones appear as local emergency management issues them across Montana, and you can add smoke and air-quality layers. Check current fire restrictions before any outdoor burning.
We keep the Montana map current so you can check what is burning, watch a fire near you, and see evacuation alerts and air quality in one place. Coverage is part of WildFire-Ready across Western Canada and 18 western US states, serving more than 130 million people, with the deepest coverage in British Columbia and Alberta.
Data sources for Montana
Everything we show for Montana traces back to the agency that publishes it:
- National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)
- National Weather Service
- InciWeb
- NASA FIRMS
You can verify the state's fire picture directly at the official agency: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/.
Montana wildfire FAQ
Are there wildfires in Montana right now?
WildFire-Ready shows active wildfires across Montana in real time, drawn from official agencies. Open the live map to see currently active fires, their status, and where they are burning. Counts change throughout the day, so check the map for the latest picture and confirm critical details with the responsible agency.
Where can I see Montana evacuation orders?
Evacuation orders and alerts for Montana appear on the WildFire-Ready map and in the app as they are issued by the responsible emergency-management agencies. Always follow official evacuation orders, and call 911 in an emergency. WildFire-Ready is a companion to 911, not a replacement.
Is the air quality safe in Montana?
Wildfire smoke can move air quality from good to hazardous quickly. WildFire-Ready surfaces air-quality readings on the map so you can check conditions near you. During smoke events, follow guidance from your local health authority.
Is there a fire ban in Montana?
Fire bans and restrictions for Montana are shown on the WildFire-Ready map when they are in effect. Restrictions can change with conditions, so verify the current rules with the official agency, National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), before lighting any fire.
When is wildfire season in Montana?
Montana's wildfire season generally runs from summer into early fall, with peak risk in the hot, dry weeks of mid to late summer. Grass fires can also flare in dry, windy spring conditions on the eastern plains.
What causes most wildfires in Montana?
Both lightning and human activity start Montana wildfires, with lightning frequent in the western mountains and human starts common across the prairies. Hot, dry conditions and gusty winds can drive both fast grass fires and large timber fires.
How do I sign up for Montana evacuation alerts?
Official evacuation alerts come from your county emergency-management agency, often through county sign-up systems and Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone. We show evacuation information on the map as agencies issue it, but always register locally and follow official orders.
Where does WildFire-Ready get Montana fire data?
We draw Montana fire information from official state and federal sources, including NIFC, the National Weather Service, and InciWeb, plus NASA FIRMS satellite detections and air-quality data. You can verify the statewide picture directly at the official agency linked on this page.