Jericho Creek Fire Near Helena Reaches 2,068 Acres With Burning Operations Producing Heavy Smoke

A wildfire burning approximately 16 miles southwest of Helena, Montana has grown to 2,068 acres and is producing significant smoke visible across the Helena Valley and the area around Elliston, according to the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.

The Jericho Creek Fire, burning in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, has been active for more than two weeks. Containment as of the most recent reports stands at approximately 41%, with crews working strategically to improve lines along the fire's perimeter near MacDonald Pass.

Burning Operations and Smoke

Fire managers conducted strategic burning operations to strengthen and extend containment lines, with the operations producing heavy smoke that was visible from Helena. Smoke from these operations prompted local air quality advisories for the greater Helena area.

Residents near the fire perimeter and in the Helena Valley were advised to limit outdoor physical activity on days when smoke settled into valley drainages. Individuals with respiratory conditions, the elderly, children, and others with elevated sensitivity to smoke were urged to remain indoors with windows closed and air filtration running when smoke conditions were at their worst.

Fire Location and Terrain

The Jericho Creek Fire is burning in steep, forested terrain near MacDonald Pass west of Helena. The area's mixed conifer forests and variable topography have made ground-based suppression challenging, leading crews to use a combination of hand lines, dozer lines, and aerial resources to build and secure containment lines on more accessible terrain.

The fire remains within the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest boundaries, though managers continue to monitor fire behavior to ensure communities and infrastructure near the perimeter remain protected.

Montana's Early Fire Season

Montana is one of multiple western states seeing above-average fire activity heading into the summer of 2026. The Jericho Creek Fire is currently the only large uncontained fire tracked in Montana by NIFC, but fire managers warn that the combination of dry conditions, wind events, and abundant fuels could lead to additional significant incidents as the season matures.

For current information on the Jericho Creek Fire, visit inciweb.wildfire.gov and search for the Jericho Creek incident. The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest can also be reached at 406-495-3763.