WILDLAND FIRE INFORMATION, RESTRICTIONS & AIR QUALITY UPDATES


WILDLAND FIRE INFORMATION

Montana is 93 million acres of spectacular unspoiled nature. Because of our diverse landscape and weather, wildfires happen as a natural part of Montana’s ecology. Sometimes a fire occurs near a popular destination, but there’s no reason to let it stop you from enjoying your West Yellowstone experience. 

According to a recent report from the Montana Drought and Water Advisory Committee, Montana is experiencing the most severe drought in over 20 years. Extreme drought combined with the current forest health crisis has created a significant risk for wildfires. Help Montanans reduce the risk by recreating responsibly.


Watch Duty, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, alerts you of nearby wildfires and firefighting efforts in real-time.


UPDATES

9.9.2025: West Fork Fire Update


9.8.2025: West Fork Fire Update


9.4.2025: West Fork Fire Update


9.3.2025: West Fork Fire Update


9.2.2025: West Fork Fire Update


9.1.2025: West Fork Fire Update


8.21.2025: West Fork Fire Update


8.21.2025: West Fork Fire Road & Trail Closure


SMOKE & AIR QUALITY CONDITIONS

Air quality conditions across Montana can be impacted by smoke from numerous wildland fires within Montana and adjoining states, even sometimes Canada. Good to Moderate conditions span Montana right now as a ridge of high pressure returns the region to hot and dry conditions. This return will likely kick up fire activity, increasing the potential for smoke and haze over the state, especially directly downwind from active fires.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services maintains a website with health information related to wildfire smoke.

Multiple factors contribute to air quality and conditions can change often. If smoke is heavy or you’re sensitive to it, you may wish to consider adjusting your itinerary until air quality improves. Even if you see smoke, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re close to a fire. Sometimes smoke blows in from hundreds of miles away. 

Follow the incident on Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtcgf-west-fork-fire

Up-to-date air quality conditions from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.