A wildfire burning approximately 16 miles southwest of Helena, Montana continues to challenge firefighters as the 2026 season gets off to a fast start in the Northern Rockies. The Jericho Creek Fire, managed by the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, has burned approximately 1,100 acres and remains at 0% containment as of the latest InciWeb update.

Fire Overview

The Jericho Creek Fire ignited in mid-May and grew significantly during a period of high winds and dry conditions, jumping from its initial footprint to roughly 1,000 acres within its first 24 to 48 hours. The fire is burning on Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest lands in terrain that is complicating direct suppression efforts.

The Helena Interagency Dispatch Center is coordinating the firefighting response. The public is urged to avoid the area and stay clear of roads being used by firefighting equipment and aircraft.

Montana Fires Compound Regional Pressure

The Jericho Creek Fire is not the only significant fire burning in Montana. The East Side Fire in the Custer Gallatin National Forest has burned approximately 1,219 acres and is also active on InciWeb. Montana fire officials have reported additional ignitions near Butte, Missoula, and Fort Belknap in recent days, signaling that the Northern Rockies are entering an active fire period earlier than typical.

The NIFC daily report lists the Jericho Creek Fire among its current large fires with an agency-reported size of 1,100 acres at 0% containment, placing it among the most active fires currently burning in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies region.

Fire Weather Concerns

Conditions in the Helena area and broader Central Montana remain concerning. Forecasters note that dry conditions and locally breezy afternoons are expected to persist, with minimum relative humidities potentially dropping into single digits across portions of the region. Residents near Helena and in Broadwater and Lewis and Clark counties should stay informed and be prepared to act on any evacuation information from Lewis and Clark County emergency managers.

How to Stay Informed

  • InciWeb: inciweb.wildfire.gov — search "Jericho Creek"
  • Lewis and Clark County Emergency Management: check local alerts
  • Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest: 406-495-3763