"The fire’s rapid expansion to over 2,100 acres in just a few days, combined with the high cost and significant personnel deployment, highlights its potential impact on local communities and ecosystems."
The Black Bear wildfire, located 15 miles east of Hamilton, MT in Ravalli County, was discovered on August 2, 2026 and is managed by the USFS. The fire grew rapidly from 140 acres on August 7 to 1,970 acres by August 11, then expanded to 2,106 acres by August 13 before stabilizing around 2,126 acres through the end of September. Containment remained at 0% until August 11, when 10% containment was first reported, and it increased gradually to 80% by September 17. Personnel numbers fluctuated between 21 and 46, and the estimated cost rose from $68,000 to $1,438,403 over the timeline. Fire behavior shifted from moderate, flanking and backing with isolated torching to minimal, creeping and smoldering as containment improved.
Official source description: 15 Miles E from Hamilton, MT
Minimal; Creeping; Smoldering; Backing
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Hamilton. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
With the fire now 80% contained and behavior minimal, general wildfire safety precautions still apply—stay informed of local advisories, avoid the fire perimeter, and be prepared for potential evacuation if conditions change.
IRWIN ID: {98BCEEFD-1E76-40E6-9352-54FD64F60E7D}
Discovered: Aug 2, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: USFS
Est. Cost to Date: $1,438,403
Coordinates: 46.168, -113.8895
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in MT.
The Black Bear Fire has burned 2,126 acres as of September 17, 2026.
As of the latest update, the Black Bear Fire is 80% contained.
The official cause has been listed as: Natural.
The Black Bear Fire is burning in Ravalli, MT.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the Black Bear Fire remains active.
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