"The rapid increase from 122 to 455.5 acres within roughly 6 hours highlights a potentially aggressive fire that could strain local resources and threaten nearby communities."
The Cottonwood Creek wildfire, located in Big Horn County, Montana, was first discovered on September 10, 2026, at 18:37:52. Initial reports from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) indicated the fire had burned 122 acres. By the next morning, September 11, the blaze had expanded to 455.5 acres, showing a significant growth in a short period. No containment percentage, personnel deployment, or fire behavior details have been released, and the cause remains undetermined. The incident is still active, with no official information on jurisdictional agency involvement or estimated costs available.
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Billings. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
General wildfire safety guidance applies: stay informed through local authorities, avoid the area if possible, and be prepared for rapid changes in fire behavior.
IRWIN ID: {B7EDA23F-55EF-4F0C-AAA6-D5CCD81B3B0C}
Discovered: Sep 10, 2026
Cause: Undetermined
Coordinates: 45.6584, -107.7178
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in MT.
The Cottonwood Creek Fire has burned 456 acres as of September 11, 2026.
The Cottonwood Creek Fire has not yet reached any official containment.
The official cause has been listed as: Undetermined.
The Cottonwood Creek Fire is burning in Big Horn, MT.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the Cottonwood Creek Fire remains active.
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