"The Bobcat Lakes fire is notable for its rapid expansion to over 10,000 acres and the high level of resources committed—hundreds of personnel and millions of dollars—while achieving substantial containment within a month."
The Bobcat Lakes wildfire, located in Beaverhead County, Montana, was first discovered on July 31, 2026. By early August it had expanded rapidly, reaching 10,305 acres by September 21 with 88% containment. The fire, caused by an undetermined source and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, has been active with wind‑driven runs, crown and uphill runs, and later moderate to minimal behavior as containment improved. Over the course of the timeline the fire grew from 1,829 acres on August 6 to a peak of 10,305 acres on September 21, while personnel peaked at 346 on August 14 and then declined to a few dozen by early September. Estimated costs climbed from $1,438,402 on August 7 to $16,900,000 by September 21.
Official source description: 12 Miles E from Wisdom, MT
Minimal; Backing; Creeping; Smoldering
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Dillon. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
The fire is currently minimal in behavior with 88% containment; however, residents should remain vigilant for potential flare‑ups and follow any local advisories.
IRWIN ID: {801A448C-B5B4-4DCC-BAE2-CEF8FEDBB2A6}
Discovered: Jul 31, 2026
Cause: Undetermined
Managing Agency: USFS
Est. Cost to Date: $16,900,000
Coordinates: 45.6368, -113.2039
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in MT.
The Bobcat Lakes Fire has burned 10,896 acres as of September 21, 2026.
As of the latest update, the Bobcat Lakes Fire is 88% contained.
The official cause has been listed as: Undetermined.
The Bobcat Lakes Fire is burning in Beaverhead, MT.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the Bobcat Lakes Fire remains active.
Real-time map, acreage, and containment for every major U.S. wildfire, updated from official NIFC data.
View Live Map →