Big Knife Fire Update

July 25, 2023

Start Date: July 25, 2023                   Cause: Lightning

Location: 5 miles east of Arlee, Montana.

Estimated Size: 116 acres     Containment: 0%    

Personnel: Overhead Personnel

Incident Command: Local Type 3 organization, Art Trahan, Incident Commander.

Key Message

A Community Meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow, July 26 from 6:30-7:30pm at the Arlee Community Center.  Fire personnel will provide updates and be available for questions.

Closures: The Canal Road from Mountain Home Road to the Jocko Canyon is closed. 

No Evacuations at this time and No structures are threatened.

Activity: This fire is located in very steep, rocky, rugged terrain.  Aviation is being used to slow this fire. 

Weather: Today- Partly Cloudy Temp- 80-85 valleys and 60-65 ridges. Relative Humidity- 15-25 percent valleys and 25-35 percent ridges.  Wind- Southwest 10-20 mph increasing to west 15-25 mph in the afternoon.  Ridge top… Southwest 10-20 mph increasing to west 25-35 mph in the afternoon.

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for air space over the Big Knife Fire  to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operating in the area. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!

For additional information, contact Division of Fire at 676-2550 or contact C.T. Camel, Fire Information Officer, at 406-676-2550 ext. 6407 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.